00:49Bahrain: Security forces gear up for Independence Day protests
Bahrain: Security forces gear up for Independence Day protests
Soldiers and security personnel loyal to the Bahraini monarchy swamped the capital Manama on Wednesday in preparation for expected anti-government protests. Dozens of police SUVs and armoured personnel carriers rolled through the streets accompanied by shielded and helmeted riot police.
Activists on social media have called for massive demonstrations on Wednesday, which marks the 42nd anniversary of Bahrain's independence from Britain.
The streets of Manama play host to anti-government protests on a regular basis, with demonstrators demanding more rights from the state.
Bahrain holds a geostrategically important position in the Persian Gulf. Situated in one of the world's largest oil and gas producing regions, it is seen as critical to the energy security of many Western nations, and plays host to the US Fifth Fleet.
00:49Bahrain: Security forces gear up for Independence Day protests
Soldiers and security personnel loyal to the Bahraini monarchy swamped the capital Manama on Wednesday in preparation for expected anti-government protests. Dozens of police SUVs and armoured personnel carriers rolled through the streets accompanied by shielded and helmeted riot police.
Activists on social media have called for massive demonstrations on Wednesday, which marks the 42nd anniversary of Bahrain's independence from Britain.
The streets of Manama play host to anti-government protests on a regular basis, with demonstrators demanding more rights from the state.
Bahrain holds a geostrategically important position in the Persian Gulf. Situated in one of the world's largest oil and gas producing regions, it is seen as critical to the energy security of many Western nations, and plays host to the US Fifth Fleet.