Bahrain Military Crushes Protests

Joseph Eid, AFP / Getty Images

Tanks and military patrols violently intervened against pro-democracy protests in Bahrain's capital on Thursday morning, resulting in the disbanding of a protest camp and several reported deaths.

The tiny kingdom located in the Persian Gulf is currently experiencing the wave of pro-democracy fever that has circulated throughout the Arab world in recent weeks in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and elsewhere.

As anti-government protestors camped in Manama's Pearl Square, oppposing the rule of the Sunni monarchy and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, police and military members launched a suprise early-morning assualt in an effort to remove the demonstrators. Men and women alike were beaten with clubs and exposed to tear gas.

The AP is reporting that the fierce government tactics may only instigate more anger and resolve from the Shiite majority and its supporters. Before the attack there had been demands for rallies on Friday. In the wake of the bloodshed, angry demonstrators chanted "the regime must go."

ABC News correspondent Miguel Marquez was also reportedly injured in the upheaval.

Bahrain serves as an important ally to the United States in the Middle East. U.S. Navy resources are stationed there, and its location close to Iran is critical for military interests. The State Department has not released any warnings regarding travel to Bahrain, but did confirm that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called Bahrain's foreign minister and "urged restraint moving forward."

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