Worsening Shi'ite violence in Bahrain deemed threat to U.S. Fifth Fleet

http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/secure/2013/07_17/1.asp

 

Worsening Shi'ite violence in Bahrain deemed threat to U.S. Fifth Fleet

ABU DHABI — Bahrain, fearing attacks on the U.S. Navy and other facilities, has ordered an enhancement of port security.

A Sailor directs an EA-6B Prowler aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley

The Cabinet decision came amid daily Shi'ite attacks on police and government facilities.

Officials said the Fifth Fleet was also deemed a target by Shi'ites backed by Iran.

Officials said the Interior Ministry has been ordered to rapidly improve security at Bahrain's ports amid the Shi'ite revolt.

They said the Cabinet decided on the measure, and directed the Interior Ministry to work with the Transport Ministry on protecting access to ports, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters at Juffair, south of Manama.

"In the context of the Cabinet's efforts to enhance the security procedures in ports including the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the Cabinet assigned the Interior Ministry to coordinate with the Transportation Ministry to develop the necessary studies and submit recommendations on General Security Supervision of the Khalifa Bin Salman Port's access points," the official Bahrain News Agency said.