Bahrain has announced a six-pronged plan to combat terrorism and target the parties which aid and abet terror groups and condone and harbour terrorists in the wake of the blast on Monday which left three on-duty policemen dead.

The clampdown was announced as the Cabinet held an extraordinary meeting in the presence of Deputy King HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa updated the meeting on results of the crackdown which followed the blast.

Twenty-five people suspected of involvement in the Daih terror blast which also left many injured.  A manhunt has been launched to track down members of the terrorist ring and bring them to justice.

Under the six-pronged scheme, the Cabinet:

1. Directed the Interior Minister to continue combating terror groups relentlessly, enforcing the rule of the law for security and stability to prevail.

2. Branded the so-called February 14 Coalition, Ashtar Brigades, Brigades of Resistance and any other allied groups colluding with them as terrorist organisations, and announced that tough legal action would be taken to contain these groups and arrest their members.

3. Assigned the Foreign Minister to exert efforts for these terror groups to be included in the list of international terrorist organisations.

4. Instructed the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister to monitor political societies, religious platforms and mosque khateebs (preachers) who advocate hatred, sectarianism and incite violence.

5. Urged all parties to heed their national responsibility and avoid siding with terrorists and saboteurs.

6. Vowed zero-tolerance to eradicate terror groups as well as the instigators who harbour and condone them.

The Cabinet extended condolences to the UAE president, government and people over the death of Emirati First Lieutenant Tariq Mohammed Al Shehhi.

It also offered condolences to the families of martyred policemen Ammar Abdu Ali Al Dhalei and Mohammed Arslan.

Civil society institutions were urged to speak out against violence, condemn terrorism and hate-mongering. "We are at a defining moment which requires more than half-stances," the Cabinet meeting heard. – TradeArabia News Service