MANAMA — A top security official in Bahrain said Tuesday four suspects have been arrested in connection with bombings that killed two people and brought warnings of increased crackdowns against opposition groups in the Gulf nation. A series of blasts Monday in the capital Manama killed workers from India and Bangladesh and suggested a widening campaign of attacks by anti-government forces. Bahrain's chief of public security, Maj. Gen. Tariq Al-Hassan, said four suspects were arrested but noted the investigation is not over. Earlier, King Hamad king called on citizens to cooperate with the authorities to arrest “terrorists” who carried out the blasts, state news agency BNA reported. King Hamad ordered “the swift arrest of the terrorists who carried out the recent terrorist acts in Bahrain” and urged citizens to help “bring them to justice so they receive their punishment over this appalling act,” BNA said. Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman said “the terrorists and vandals plotting against Bahrain will receive their punishment and the inciters will be held responsible for what happened.” “The government will not allow a stray group to destroy the nation, threaten and terrorize safe citizens,” said Khalifa, who hailed “security forces who are doing their duties to the best of their ability and who have our full support.” Bahrain's main opposition group Al-Wefaq condemned the attacks but cautioned that “due to the absence of independent human rights and media groups, it is difficult to clearly determine the truth behind the incidents.” — Agencies
