Tag Archives: bahrain

The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council denounced Iran for its “continuing interference” in the region. The council issued the statement after Saudi Arabia sent troops to back the government of Bahrain during anti-government protests thought to have been incited by Iran.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa claimed security forces foiled “an external plot” that has “fomented for 20 to 30 years until the ground was ripe for subversive designs.” Bahrain has blamed Iran for stirring up the Shia majority in the past.

Six people, including two policemen, were killed after security forces attacked a protesters’ camp in the capital of Manama. Security forces deployed armored vehicles and helicopters against the protesters, and succeeded in clearing the square.

The king of Bahrain declared martial law to clamp down on protests from Shia minorities. More than 1,000 Saudi troops have deployed to Bahrain, while the United Arab Emirates promised to deploy 500 policemen.