Forty-four suspects, including two women, have been arrested for committing terrorist activities in Bahrain following intensive police investigations, the Interior Ministry said in a statement last night.

Investigations also led to the identification of some members of the terrorist "February 14" organisation, including its leaders and executors, the Gulf Daily News quoted the statement.

Those arrested are suspected of plotting to plant a bomb during this year's Formula One race, blowing up ATMs, arson attacks on car showrooms and planting explosives in several locations in Manama that resulted in the deaths of two Asian expats, the ministry said.

Some of those arrested are believed to be part of a terror cell known as "Al Imam Army" and trained others in the use of weapons and explosives with the aim of disrupting security and endangering people's lives, it said.

The suspects planned to commit terror acts targeting specific locations, including the American Services Centre in Juffair. Three of the 44 suspects have been arrested for using a homemade bomb planted in a car near the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Those arrested have confessed to the Public Prosecutor about their involvement in these dangerous acts, the Interior Ministry said.

It pointed out that violence is the approach of this organisation, despite its claims of a commitment to peace.

Their crimes terrorised and spread fear among citizens and residents and range from blocking roads and burning tyres, to use of Molotov cocktails and the construction and use of weapons and explosives, it said.

The February 14 organisation was created as a result of the incidents that took place in Bahrain in February 2011 with the aim of recruiting members to plan and execute bombings and transfer of weapons. The ministry also named the cell's masterminds, both in Bahrain and in London, who frequently travel between Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to obtain financial and moral support.

The ministry said more information will be released once legal procedures for the wanted and arrested individuals are complete. Additional details regarding the organisations and sources that provide financial support for these criminal acts will also be provided, it said. – TradeArabia News Service