1 killed as security forces raid Shia village in Bahrain

Bahraini security forces today shot and killed at least one demonstrator during a security operation that included a raid on the home of the kingdom’s Shia Muslim spiritual leader.

Ayatollah Isa Qassim was not among the 50 people arrested during the raid, but the move is likely to raise tensions in Bahrain days after US President Donald Trump said Washington’s relationship with the Sunni-ruled kingdom – long strained over its human rights record – would improve.

The operation in Diraz was based on intel that several fugitives connected to serious acts of terrorism and the killing of a policeman were harboured in the village

a security official told Reuters, adding that six wanted people were arrested from the cleric’s home in the village.

Qassim faces expulsion from the kingdom after authorities revoked his citizenship last year for alleged links to Iran and fomenting violence, charges he has denied.

Rights activists say the move to revoke Qassim’s citizenship was part of a wider crackdown by the Sunni-ruled kingdom on the mainly Shia Muslim opposition which had been demanding a bigger share in running the country.

Activists said one person identified as Mohammed Zein Al-Deen was shot and killed by birdshot, adding that more than 100 other people were injured or suffered tear gas inhalation, with some in serious condition.

The interior ministry said in a statement that 50 wanted people were arrested in the Diraz raid.

The operation took place two days after a Bahraini court convicted Qassim of financial corruption and sentenced him to a suspended one-year jail term, but the security source said the raid did not target the cleric.