'Fake' explosives cause roads chaos in Bahrain
Manama, March 17, 2014
Six "fake" explosives were found in different areas in Bahrain yesterday, causing massive traffic disruption on major highways.
Three devices were planted near the Janabiya Highway during morning rush hour, which prompted police to close several roads for the bomb squad to clear the area, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Motorists were stuck in traffic for more than an hour as two fake explosives were found off the Budaiya Highway near Country Mall, said police sources.
The last device was placed inside a bag under a car in the parking area of the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry at around 1pm.
It was discovered by a court officer who saw something "suspicious" under a white Mazda that belonged to a ministry employee.
Police cordoned off the parking and did not allow employees to take their cars until a complete sweep of the area was conducted by the bomb squad, which took around two hours.
Police sources confirmed all the devices were fake and were placed to disrupt traffic and cause panic among people.
"I was going to the Arabian Gulf University in Salmaniya when I saw a large number of policemen on the highway," said a 20-year-old medical student who was stuck in traffic.
"They were diverting traffic to the other side of the road.
"I was late for my classes. It was massive traffic and everyone was complaining."
Another driver said it took her an hour to get to work from the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway.
"I set off from Lulu Towers at around 8.10am," said the 31-year-old Briton.
"It took me almost an hour to reach the office.
"I took the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway which takes us to Hamad Town and Isa Town.
"Traffic was at a standstill all the way from the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre near Dana Mall to the turn which takes us to Isa Town.
"It took me almost 20 minutes to reach that turn.
"Some people were getting out of their cars."
Meanwhile, police also removed a fake explosive device found near a petrol station in Bilad Al Qadeem on Saturday night.
An eyewitness told the GDN police cordoned off the area and diverted traffic.
"I was heading home after work at around 9pm when I saw lot of traffic near A A Bin Hindi in Musallah," said the 41-year-old Indian.
"I had to go all the way to Dana Mall but that road was closed as well.
"This is not the first time it happened. It was the third time in a week." - TradeArabia News Service
