Neither Al Wefaq nor the Feb. 14 Youth Movement has been identified with
the renewed demonstrations. Opposition sources said many of the leaders of
the two groups were arrested in the crackdown, aided by the deployment of
troops from Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
"Either the government does not use force and the protests
return or they use force and there may be victims," Mattar said.
Still, the diplomatic community has taken seriously the threat of
renewed violent unrest in Bahrain. Western and other embassies have warned
their nationals to stay away from major streets and intersections in Manama.
"The timings are not yet known but are likely to be during the
afternoon," the British Foreign Office said. "Whilst we seek to ensure the
information we give is as reliable as possible, we cannot confirm that all
such events will go ahead as listed."
At least nine demonstrations have been called for throughout Bahrain.
Shi'ites and their supporters were told on Facebook and other social media
that the protesters would regain their positions lost during the regime
crackdown, including Salmaniya hospital in Manama.
Officials said the Shi'ite unrest was being aided by Iran and its
proxies. They said authorities have arrested suspected operatives of the
Iranian-backed Hizbullah, linked to insurgency activities.
"What is happening in Bahrain has reached a very serious stage,"
Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said. "There is
stability, but above all we fear a split between religious groups."
Authorities report the arrest of five Lebanese accused of being
Hizbullah
agents. The Lebanese were charged with transferring money to Bahrain to fuel
the Shi'ite revolt. More than 5,000 Lebanese live in Bahrain and authorities
have suspended flights from Beirut to Manama to prevent an influx of foreign
Shi'ites.
"Making these flights is no longer viable," Bahrain Air, which suspended
its Lebanon route until March 30, said.