Bahrain and US navies continue their joint military maneuvers in the Gulf, diverting international attention from suppression of Bahraini protesters

Bahrain and the US navies continue their joint military maneuvers in the Gulf, diverting international attention from suppression of Bahraini protesters at the hands of the Al Khalifa regime.

The maneuvers, dubbed “rapid reaction,” started on November 14 and will continue until November 23, Mehr News Agency reported.

Handling explosions, defusing marine mines, preparation and planning for marine combat and taking defensive positions are among the exercises during the war games.

Major goals of the maneuvers include increased preparedness for various combat situations by using the latest technologies and bolstering the capacity of Bahrain's naval forces.

The United States, whose navy's Fifth Fleet is stationed in the Bahraini capital, Manama, has provided support for the Al Khalifa regime during months of crackdown on peaceful protesters in the Persian Gulf state.