10 May 2019 | 04:39 AM UTC
Bahrain: Anti-government organization calls for protests May 10
The February 14 Youth Coalition is calling for protests nationwide to demand the expulsion of the US military from Bahrain; heightened security measures expected
Event
The anti-government February 14 Youth Coalition is calling for nationwide protests on Friday, May 10, to demand the expulsion of the US military from Bahrain. Specific gathering points have not been released as of Thursday, May 9, but supporters will likely meet in Shi'a majority villages and areas of the capital Manama. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are expected around all demonstration sites and at the US Fifth Flight Naval Base in the capital. Security forces are likely to use tear gas and other means of force to disperse anti-government demonstrations, which may result in clashes between protesters and security forces.
Context
US naval forces have been based in Bahrain since World War II and expanded the naval base in 2003 after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Opposition and anti-government organizations regularly call for all US forces to be removed from the country.
Advice
Individuals in Bahrain are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all gatherings and protests due to potential violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
