 MANAMA, Bahrain—Saudi military forces in tanks and armored personnel carriers crossed the 16-mile causeway into the tiny island kingdom of Bahrain to defend the Sunni monarchy against a Shiite revolt, raising the specter of sectarian clashes and heightened conflict with Iran.
– More than 1,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries entered Bahrain today to protect important oil and power facilities, a Saudi official tells the Wall Street Journal. The move comes a day after violent protests rocked Bahrain, notes Reuters, and mostly-Shiite opposition groups are likening it to a declaration of war. “We consider the entry of any soldier or military machinery into the Kingdom of Bahrain's air, sea or land territories a blatant occupation,” said a statement from the opposition, which fears “undeclared war by armed troops.” “The force will work under the directions of the Bahraini government and protect vital facilities like oil and power,” said the Saudi, adding that “Saudi Arabia took part” in the troop deployment because, like Bahrain, “it is a (Gulf Cooperation Council) member and cares about the regional security.” The US has urged “our GCC partners to show restraint and respect the rights of the people of Bahrain.”