Street violence has dramatically reduced and Bahrain is significantly more stable, said Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.


Statistics show that the number of rallies last year dropped to 11,900 compared with 101,000 in 2012, according to a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Acts of sabotage have also 'tangibly reduced', the minister added, noting that Bahrain has become much more stable and secure four years after the unrest of February 14, 2011,.

Bahrain has emerged from a security situation and entered a period of calm, he said during a meeting with the national Press.

He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad for his leadership as the country was facing difficult challenges.

The minister credited security forces for their efforts to maintain Bahrain's security over the past four years.

The two-hour meeting was attended by editors-in-chief of local newspapers, columnists and journalists at the Public Security Club.

Those targeting national security, whether in Bahrain or abroad, are being monitored, Shaikh Rashid said.

The number of 'political events' dropped to 1,504 last year, from 2,315 in 2012 and 1,818 the following year, he said.

Cases of injuries sustained by policemen also dropped to 322 last year, compared with 945 in 2012.

Attacks targeting police directorates across Bahrain came down last year, dropping to 63.

The ministry has also reported 19 sectarian-tainted altercations last year, compared with 140 similar incidents in 2012.

'These positive results were the outcome of concerted efforts engaging all the ministry's departments,' Shaikh Rashid said.

He pointed out that an across-the-board task force had been set up, including the National Security Agency.

Bahrain has adopted a comprehensive strategy, which is not limited to confronting street violence, the minister said. – TradeArabia News Service