5 killed, 286 held in Bahrain raid on Shiite cleric's town
Bahrain police have arrested 286 people in an assault in which officers fired tear gas and shotguns at protesters in a town that is home to a prominent Shiite cleric facing possible deportation. At least five demonstrators were killed and others wounded.
The Interior Ministry said the operation targeting Diraz, home to Sheikh Isa Qassim and a long-running sit-in supporting him, was to "maintain security and public order." It called the area a "haven for wanted fugitives from justice."
Activists shared photographs and videos showing youths throwing stones and climbing on an armored personnel carrier. Another video showed a bulldozer smashing through the area that once hosted the sit-in.
The Interior Ministry said 19 security forces were wounded.
Amnesty International later said Qassim was not arrested.
