Military troops and security forces are moving against thousands of anti-government protesters occupying a landmark square in Bahrain's capital, a day after emergency rule was imposed in the violence-wracked Gulf kingdom.
Police and military units fired tear gas and have started to push into Pearl Square after daylight on Wednesday. Shooting was heard, but there was no immediate word on casualties.
Bahrain’s king has declared a three-month state of emergency and instructed the military to battle unrest in the strategic nation, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Clashes erupted Tuesday across the island nation, killing at least two civilians.
Protesters led by Bahrain’s majority Shiites are seeking greater political rights from Sunni rulers.
