King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, has declared a state of emergency following weeks of riots in the kingdom, state television announced Tuesday; the measure will take effect immediately and will last three months, informs Reuters.
A direct order from the king authorized the commander of Bahrain’s armed forces to take all measures necessary to protect the safety of the country and citizens, according to a statement quoted on television.
The demonstrations began on 14 February in Bahrain, where the population, overwhelmingly Shiite, is ruled by a Sunni dynasty. Protests aimed at ousting of the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. State of emergency proclamation comes a day after the Saudi kingdom have sent troops to restore order.