Video of violent police crackdown on Bahrain protesters

Soldiers and riot police expelled hundreds of protesters from a landmark square in Bahrain's capital on Wednesday, using tear gas and armoured vehicles to try to subdue the growing movement challenging the 200-year-old monarchy. At least five people were killed as clashes flared across the kingdom, according to witnesses and officials. The unrest that began last month has increasingly showed signs of a sectarian showdown: The country's Sunni leaders are desperate to hold power, and majority Shiites are calling for an end to their dynasty. Wednesday's assault was launched at dawn in Pearl Square, the centre of the uprising inspired by revolts in Egypt and Tunisia.

• 2011-03-16T19:03:37+00:00
• Duration: 01:30

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Noticias y política , news, noticias, video, amazing, police, soldados, protesters, Bahrain, Pearl Square, protests, crackdown , riot police , violence , sectarian, Sunni, Shiite, uprising , revolt