Several Bahrainis injured in regime crackdown

Several anti-regime protesters have been injured or arrested after Bahraini security forces attacked peaceful protests in villages around the capital Manama.

The Saudi-backed forces used tear gas, buck shot and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators late Friday.

People injured in the protests avoid going to the hospitals for fear of being arrested.

The protests were held in response to a call by the February 14 Youth Coalition. They protested against a blockage imposed on the district of Mahazza, near the capital, since November 7.

“The blockade will not make us afraid” and “Down with Hamad,” shouted the protesters while waving the Bahraini flag and photos of prisoners.

The police crackdown continued until dawn on Saturday, witnesses said.

The ruling Al-Khalifah regime has banned anti-regime protests.

The popular uprising in Bahrain began in mid-February 2011. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates sent security and military forces to the country upon a request from Manama to help the Bahraini government quash the peaceful protests.

Dozens of people have been killed in the crackdown, and the security forces have arrested hundreds including doctors and nurses.

Bahrain hosts the US Fifth Fleet and is among the Persian Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates that receive military equipment from the United States.