17/03/2011 11:35
Bahrain arrests 6 opposition leaders after crackdown
Bahrain arrested at least six hardline opposition leaders on Thursday, a day after its crackdown on protests by the Shi'ite Muslim majority drew rare U.S. criticism and raised fears of a regional conflict, Reuters reported.
Calm returned to the streets of the Gulf Arab island after Bahaini forces used tanks and helicopters to drive protesters off the streets and clear a camp that had become a symbol of their demand for more rights and powers on the Sunni-ruled island.
Three police and three protesters died in the crackdown.
Among those detained overnight were Haq leader Hassan Mushaima and Wafa leader Abdel Wahhab Hussein, who had led calls for the overthrow of the royal family, the largest opposition party Wefaq said.