Bahrain Claims to Have Killed 'Three Armed Individuals Attempting to Flee to Iran'

Bahrain claims that its security forces killed three armed men during a confrontation at sea and arrested seven others; according to Bahrain, these individuals were attempting to flee to Iran, and a 'firefight' occurred between them and security forces. The Associated Press, citing Bahrain's Ministry of Interior, reports that the boat these individuals were on was heading towards Iranian waters, and those arrested have 'confessed' to having arrangements with individuals in Iran. The Ministry of Interior of Bahrain stated that inside the boat, 'an automatic weapon similar to a Kalashnikov' was found. Bahrain claims that the recent operation was part of the escape of several prisoners in the country. Last month, Bahrain's police reported the escape of 10 prisoners from 'Jaw' prison on the eastern coast of the island, stating that this incident occurred after an attack by several armed individuals with automatic and handgun weapons. During that attack, one police officer was killed and another was injured. The Ministry of Interior of Bahrain stated that on February 10, they arrested two more individuals in connection with the killing of the police officer. The Associated Press notes that the attack and the liberation of several prisoners from 'Jaw' indicate a 'significant increase in tensions' between the country's Shiite majority opposition and Sunni rulers, tensions that have been ongoing for years. Bahrain has repeatedly accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs, linking the Islamic Republic to many tensions, protests, and armed attacks. These accusations have been denied by Tehran. Nevertheless, Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, following the nuclear agreement between Tehran and six world powers, mentioned Bahrain alongside other countries like Syria, stating that 'we will not cease support for our friends in the region.' Although he later stated in another speech in July 2016 that the Islamic Republic does not interfere in Bahrain's issues. Last winter, Bahrain announced new security measures to confront what it termed Iranian interference and to counter the 'terrorist threat' in this emirate. The country has repeatedly protested against the statements of Ayatollah Khamenei, calling his remarks 'hostile to the Kingdom of Bahrain' and 'unacceptable.' In the latest report by Freedom House, both Iran and Bahrain rank among the least free countries in terms of political and civil liberties and press freedom, positioned at the bottom of a list of 190 countries and regions worldwide.