Bahrain: A terrorist attack in Bahrain that killed a policeman and injured two others on Saturday has drawn further condemnation.
Mohammed Naveed, from Pakistan, died when he and his colleagues were attacked by opposition radicals in Karbabad village.
They were targeted with Molotov cocktails and the incident, which resulted in the first death of an officer in the line of duty in almost eight months, has been roundly criticised.
“The US condemns in the strongest terms Saturday night’s gasoline bomb attack in Karbabad that killed one police officer and left two others wounded,” the US Embassy said in statement yesterday.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the slain officer and the people of Bahrain.
”We urge all segments of Bahraini society to condemn such violence and to do everything possible to prevent it.”
German Ambassador Alfred Simms-Protz said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident, which he described as a “savage and senseless” act of violence.
“I am deeply shocked and appalled about the news of the attack in Karbabad on Saturday in which one policeman was killed and two were seriously injured,” said Mr Simms-Protz.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.
“I wish the survivors of the attack a speedy and full recovery.
“There can be no justification for such savage and senseless acts of violence that have no place in the civilised world.
“Murder can never be a substitute for political debate and peaceful protest”.
Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah bin Abdulmalik Al Shaikh said the attack breached all humanitarian values and went against all teachings of Islam.
He reaffirmed his country’s support for Bahrain, saying Saudi Arabia was committed to “hitting with an iron fist against anyone who attempts to undermine the kingdom’s security and stability”.
The Saudi Cabinet condemned the attack and stressed Riyadh’s support to Bahrain in fighting all forms of terror.
The Arab Interior Minister’s Council said it was part of an attempt to destabilise Bahrain’s national agencies and institutions, also reiterating its support.
Meanwhile, the Jaffari Endowments Directorate – which oversees all aspects of the Shi’ite faith – described the attack as “horrendous”.
“The horrendous criminal act is denounced by all the sons of Bahrain as it is alien to the harmonious, amicable and tolerant Bahraini community,” it said in a statement.
“It violates religious teachings and all laws and conventions.”
On Sunday, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa chaired a meeting of senior officers and announced suspects had been detained in connection with the attack, but gave no further details about arrests. He also authorised police to use weapons in self-defence or for the security of the country.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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