Troops Attack Protesters in Bahrain’s Pearl Square

Six people are reported dead after troops stormed anti-government protesters’ positions in Manama.

The king of Bahrain declared a state of emergency Tuesday and authorized the country’s defence forces to “take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the country,” clearing the way for a deadly crackdown on protesters who are calling for political reform in the kingdom. Hundreds of demonstrators have been camped out in Manama’s Pearl Square for weeks hoping to emulate the popular uprising centred in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, but Wednesday at daybreak troops backed by tanks and military helicopters drove civilians out of the area, reportedly killing six people in the process. The offensive involved Saudi military personnel, who entered Bahrain Monday at the request of the country’s ruling monarchy.