Saudi-led forces will stay in Bahrain in “anticipation of any foreign threat”

The head of Bahrain's military said that Saudi-led forces who were dispatched to quell the countrywide peaceful protests will remain in the country until the nationwide state of emergency is lifted.

Army Commander Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the Saudi-led forces will stay in Bahrain in “anticipation of any foreign threat,” warning of harsh retaliation if protesters return to the streets.

Bahrain says it will lift emergency rule June 1. But the commander's comments late Wednesday suggest that a heavy security presence will remain along with the additional 1,500 Saudi-led troops from Gulf Arab countries.

Since mid-February, thousands of anti-government protesters in Bahrain have poured into the streets, calling for an end to the ruling of Al Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled the country for almost forty years.