Bahrain kills three linked to jailbreak on way to Iran
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 February 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bahrain kills three linked to jailbreak on way to Iran, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a512a.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 09, 2017
Authorities in Bahrain say security forces killed three men and arrested seven others during a sea-based gunbattle as they tried to flee to Iran.
Authorities said on February 9 that most of the men were tied to a deadly jailbreak last month in Bahrain.
The Interior Ministry said the men were on a boat headed toward Iranian waters when they were intercepted by the coast guard.
They said the arrested men told them they were going to meet contacts.
Police said earlier that 10 inmates escaped on New Year's Day when gunmen armed with automatic rifles and pistols stormed a prison, killing one police officer.
Thousands of Shi'ite Muslim Bahrainis are being held in jails on charges ranging from participating in antigovernment protests to armed attacks on security forces.
Bahrain is a strategic U.S. ally and home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Its majority Shi'ite population has complained of being marginalized by ruling Sunni authorities.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
