Dramatic details of how Bahrain forces dealt with recent unrest were revealed yesterday by BDF Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

He described how 'Operation Al Farooq' successfully cleared Manama of saboteurs and thugs, when he visited Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej Press, headquarter of Akhbar Al Khaleej and Gulf Daily News.

He was received by Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Anwar Abdulrahman and a number of journalists.

Marshal Shaikh Khalifa said 'Operation Al Farooq' was successfully executed, without any casualties from either BDF or the citizens.

Following the success of the operation, 'Al Farooq' has been chosen as the name of the new junction that has replaced the GCC Roundabout.

Marshal Shaikh Khalifa thanked Bahraini Press for its role during the crisis, singling out Akhbar Al Khaleej for praise. He said lessons from the crisis will be studied and analysed, to prevent a recurrence.

He affirmed that Bahrain had been the victim of a conspiracy involving foreign agents and financing. "Friends" took part and they went where their interests lay.

"Detailed confessions along with photos and sound will be released once the judicial system finishes its work," the BDF Commander-in-Chief said.

At the GCC roundabout young people were given pills which affected their minds and made them do unusual things, Marshal Shaikh Khalifa said.

Abdulrahman pointed out that tens of thousands of people use Akhbar Al Khaleej and GDN websites in Europe and the US.

Shaikh Khalifa said that the Peninsula Shield forces will remain in Bahrain after the State of National Safety is lifted, in anticipation of any foreign threat. BDF forces will revert to their barracks, but will always be on alert to fend off any threats.

"I say to those who did not get the message, if you return, we will come back, stronger this time."

The State of National Safety is about to be lifted, but the trials before the National Safety courts will continue, perhaps until the year-end, he said.  - TradeArabia News Service