Bahrain arrests 4 leading Shiite activists in attempt to halt street clashes with police

Bahrain arrests 4 Shiite activists amid clashes

CAIRO — A Bahraini security official says four leading Shiite activists have been arrested as the kingdom’s Sunni leaders try to end violent confrontations between Shiite protesters and anti-riot police.

The Persian Gulf island nation, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has experienced daily clashes involving Shiite protesters who accuse the government of discrimination.

The security official says Sunday’s arrests were of three top activists of the opposition HAQ Movement for Liberty and Democracy and the Islamic Wafa group. He says they are accused of harming stability.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because of he was not authorized to brief journalists.

Shiites are a majority in Bahrain, but the oil-rich nation is ruled by a Sunni royal family.