AWS Confirms Permanent Cloud Data Loss in Bahrain and UAE After Iran War Damage

Iranian drone strikes in March 2026 destroyed several AWS availability zones in Bahrain and the UAE. Customer data stored only in the Bahrain region or in the mec1-az2 zone without cross-region replication was permanently lost. AWS is restoring infrastructure in the UAE and promises a Bahrain recovery update in early 2027.

• March 2026 drone strikes damaged several AWS availability zones in Bahrain and the UAE
• Data without cross-region replication in Bahrain and mec1-az2 was permanently lost
• AWS paused billing in affected regions and moved most customers
• Bahrain recovery update expected in early 2027