Some morning Iran ..chapter one

Bahrain hit by 'organized' Shi'ite riots likely sparked by Iran

GERTZ: ABU DHABI — Bahrain has been torn by the worst Shi'ite rioting in years. Bahraini special forces, using tear gas and rubber bullets, confronted thousands of Shi'ites during the Id Al Adha holiday last week in Manama.

Young Shi'ite rioters carry an injured man after a clash with the security forces in Bahrain.

"We believe the riots were organized by foreign elements," a Bahraini security source said. Officials said Iran was thought to have inspired the riots.

The Shi'ite opposition said Bahraini security forces stormed a mosque in Manama on Dec. 21. The opposition said the Interior Ministry launched a crackdown that included the arrest of opposition leaders.

"They were faced brutally by the Special Forces, which entered the mosque while pursuing the rest who fled towards the nearby Water Garden park," the Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy said. "Tear gas was fired on the people in the park."

The Interior Ministry said police tried to stop a rampage by rioters. The ministry said the rioters torched a police vehicle and destroyed property.

"After following legal procedures, they were arrested and transferred to the general prosecution office," the ministry said.

The riots were said to have taken place nearly every night last week. Officials said the riots intensified after a protester died of tear gas inhalation during a battle with police. On Dec. 21, Bahraini security forces arrested seven opposition members.

Bahrain contains the U.S. Fifth Fleet and naval element of U.S. Central Command. The U.S. embassy has warned of continued violence in the kingdom.