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Gulf Military Force Enters Bahrain

14.03.2011 16:16

A military force from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations entered Bahrain today following continuing unrest in the island nation.

Bahraini television showed footage of lightly armed troops on military vehicles crossing the causeway that connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.

An unnamed Saudi security official said the Gulf units dispatched to Bahrain come from a special force within the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He did not give details on the size or national breakdown of the force -- estimated in some reports at about 1,000 strong -- but said they will help protect key buildings in the strategic nation, which hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

The GCC members are Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

The move comes after Bahraini police clashed on March 13 with mostly Shi'ite demonstrators in one of the most violent confrontations since troops killed seven protesters last month.

Bahraini opposition groups, including the largest Shi'ite party Wefaq, called the move "a blatant occupation."

Bahrain's Shi'ite Muslim majority complains of discrimination by the Sunni royal family.

compiled from agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/report_saudi_troops_bahrain/2337796.html

Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.