AhlulBayt News Agency

source : MNA
Wednesday

16 November 2011

8:30:00 PM
278706

Bahrain, US joint war games continue

Bahrain and the US navies continue their joint military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf, diverting international attention from suppression of Bahraini protesters at the hands of the Al Khalifa regime.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The maneuvers, dubbed “rapid reaction,” started on November 14 and will continue until November 23.

Handling explosions, defusing marine mines, preparation and planning for marine combat and taking defensive positions are among the exercises during the war games.

Major goals of the maneuvers include increased preparedness for various combat situations by using the latest technologies and bolstering the capacity of Bahrain's naval forces.

The United States, whose navy's Fifth Fleet is stationed in the Bahraini capital, Manama, has provided support for the Al Khalifa regime during months of crackdown on peaceful protesters in the Persian Gulf state.

Since mid-February, thousands of anti-regime protesters have been staging regular demonstrations in Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.

On March 14, troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates invaded the country to assist the Bahraini government in its crackdown on protests.

According to local sources, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested so far during the clampdown on peaceful demonstrations.

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