Prompt action by security forces yesterday prevented major road blockades as thugs went on a rampage in several parts of Bahrain.

Police were out in force in Daih, Sanabis, Jidhafs and along the Budaiya Highway after hundreds of vandals reportedly broke away from an Ashoora procession and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at policemen and passers-by, according to a report in our sister publication the Gulf Daily News.

Traffic was disrupted for around an hour on Budaiya Highway and policemen had to fire tear gas to disperse the rioters. Scores of people reportedly tried to march towards the Al Farooq Junction, where again prompt action dispersed them.

The Interior Ministry said on its Twitter account - quoting the General Director of Northern Governorate Police - that security men confronted a group of thugs who headed to Budaiya Road after the end of the Hussainiya procession in Daih. It said the group broke away from religious ceremonies and procession and started moving towards Manama.

The breakaway group engaged in rioting and blocked the road with rocks and wooden sticks to hinder traffic. They also hurled Molotov cocktails and stones at policemen, who responded with proportionate and necessary force to restore order. – TradeArabia News Service