Bahrain says it foiled terrorist attack backed by Iran

The bombing plot was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Suleimani

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Hossein Salami issued a warning to the US over the killing of Qassem Suleimani. AP

Bahrain foiled a terrorist attack that was backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Bahraini news site Akhbar Al Khaleej said the failed plot involved a bombing attack on the public and security services.

It was to be in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Suleimani in a US drone strike in January.

The Bahraini Interior Ministry issued a statement to state media saying the plot was from the beginning of the year and not a new event.

The ministry said the article "caused confusion locally and regionally".

“The security services are committed to fulfilling their duties in protecting the nation’s security," it said.

"The kingdom of Bahrain also aspires for security and peace to prevail throughout the region, and for the world to realise that Bahrain is a country of tolerance, coexistence and openness to the other, as this is the basis for achieving world peace.”

News of the planned attack came a day after the head of IRGC, Hossein Salami, warned the US that "everybody who had role" in the killing of Suleimani would be attacked.

There are believed to be 18 suspects related to the plot, nine of whom are in Iran.

One of the accused said he received military training at a Hezbollah camp in Iraq, Akhbar Al Khaleej reported.

Bahrain’s security forces said they foiled the plan after finding an explosive device in the Badei district. A visiting foreign delegation was the target.

The foiling of the attack was also reported by Saudi state TV station Al Ekhbariya.

The report broadcast footage of what appeared to be police raiding a home with a hidden passage. The footage showed assault rifles and explosives, apparently seized in the raid.