Manama, the capital of Bahrain and the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, witnessed an anti-American protest today. The protest, which involved approximately 400 participants, began after Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque of Manama. According to eyewitnesses, the demonstrators chanted anti-Israeli and anti-American slogans, demanding that the Bahraini government expel American forces from the country. Some protesters carried Iraqi flags and placards opposing a potential U.S. attack on Iraq. Manama saw much larger anti-American protests last April, during which demonstrators threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the U.S. embassy.
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Manama, Headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, Witnessed Anti-American Protests - 2003-01-03
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Today, around 400 people protested in Manama, Bahrain, against the presence of U.S. forces, following Friday prayers. The demonstrators called for the expulsion of American troops and expressed opposition to a potential U.S. attack on Iraq. This reflects ongoing tensions in the region regarding U.S. military involvement.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The anti-American protests in Bahrain reflect broader regional tensions and opposition to U.S. military actions.
👥 Key Players
U.S. Fifth Fleet
MENTIONED
Military presence in Bahrain
"The U.S. Fifth Fleet is crucial for U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf and plays a significant role in U.S.-Iran relations."
Bahraini Government
MENTIONED
Host government for U.S. forces
"The Bahraini government is a key ally of the U.S. in the region, balancing internal dissent with external pressures."
Protesters
MENTIONED
Local citizens opposing U.S. presence
"The protesters reflect the growing anti-American sentiment in Bahrain and the region, influenced by U.S. foreign policy."
📰 What Happened
Approximately 400 people protested in Manama, Bahrain, against the presence of U.S. forces after Friday prayers. The demonstrators called for the expulsion of American troops and expressed opposition to a potential U.S. attack on Iraq.
- The protest involved chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans.
- Some protesters carried Iraqi flags, indicating solidarity with Iraq amid rising tensions.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The protests signal growing anti-American sentiment in the region, which Iran can leverage to bolster its influence.
🌍 Regional: The protests highlight the fragility of U.S. alliances in the Gulf and the potential for increased unrest.
🌐 International: For the U.S. and its allies, these protests indicate the challenges of maintaining military presence in a region where public sentiment is increasingly hostile.
📚 Background
The U.S. had significant military involvement in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, which led to widespread protests against its presence in various countries, including Bahrain.
U.S. military presence in the Middle East
Iraq War and its regional impact
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The article presents factual information about the protests without apparent bias, making it a reliable source for understanding the event.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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