US warns citizens to avoid anti-regime demos in Bahrain

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The US State Department has issued an advisory alerting US citizens in Bahrain about the potential for anti-government demonstrations later this week and advising them to avoid areas of protest.The advisory, which was issued on September 7, noted that "spontaneous demonstrations take place in Bahrain from time to time in response to world events or local developments," the website Manama Voice reported.It also advised US citizens in Bahrain to monitor news reports of local events in the island kingdom, to be aware of their surroundings, to maintain a low profile in public, and to avoid areas where public gatherings or demonstrations are reported.On Friday, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators near the capital, Manama.Police also arrested six protesters during the demonstration, which the opposition al-Wefaq party had organized, despite the government’s ban on public protests.The Bahraini revolution began in mid-February 2011, when the people, inspired by the popular revolutions that toppled the dictators of Tunisia and Egypt, started holding massive demonstrations.The Bahraini government promptly launched a brutal crackdown on the peaceful protests and called in Saudi-led Arab forces from neighboring Persian Gulf states.Dozens of people have been killed in the crackdown, and the security forces have arrested hundreds, including doctors and nurses accused of treating injured revolutionaries.A report published by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in November 2011 found that the Al Khalifa regime had used excessive force in the crackdown and accused Manama of torturing political activists, politicians, and protesters.The protesters say they will continue holding anti-regime demonstrations until their demand for the establishment of a democratically elected government is met. /129