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March 18, 2011

Bahrain Arrests Opposition Leaders, Clears Protest Encampment 
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The Bahraini government is intensifying a crackdown on Shiite-led
anti-government protests. On Thursday, at least six opposition leaders
were arrested as state forces attacked protesters in a central square in
the capital city of Manama. At least six people were killed and more
than 1,000 wounded in the assault. Bulldozers were then used to clear
out encampments used by protesters. State forces have also been deployed
to surround Shiite neighborhoods. Opposition leaders are calling for a
U.N. probe into the crackdown and for the withdrawal of all foreign
forces deployed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to back the
Bahrain government. The United States has refused to condemn the
Bahraini government's assault on protesters.



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