Bahrain: Tensions High, Protests Planned

There is heightened security in Bahrain where opposition leaders have called for “Day of Rage” protests, in spite of a government crackdown on demonstrations.

Troops set up checkpoints across the Gulf Arab kingdom on Friday, while military jets flew overhead.

Activists have urged citizens to take to the streets after Friday prayers to continue calls for government reforms.

Bahrain has faced a month of protests, mostly from its Shi’ite majority which has demanded greater political freedoms from its Sunni-led government.

Earlier this month, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa declared martial law. Security forces in the capital, Manama, swept through a square that had been a rallying point for demonstrators. At least five people were killed in the government crackdown.

Meanwhile, Reuters news says Bahrain’s foreign minister has filed a formal complaint with Lebanon after Shi’ite Hezbollah members in the country offered to support Bahrain’s Shi’ites. The news agency quotes the foreign minister as saying Bahrain will not tolerate threats from Hezbollah, which he said is considered a terrorist group by Bahraini leaders.

On Tuesday, Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens against travel to Lebanon due to what it called “threats and interference from terrorist elements.”