As has often been noted over the last few days, al-Qaeda has called for the jihadist targeting of sporting events. “Bahrein: Six ‘terror suspects’ arrested ahead of Formula 1 Grand Prix,” from AKI, April 18 (thanks to C. Cantoni):
Manama, 18 April (AKI) – Police in Bahrein arrested six ‘suspected terrorists’ as security was ramped up ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place there this weekend, the official Al-Ayyam daily reported.
The suspects are accused of setting vehicles on fire and obstructing the traffic, the daily said.
News of their arrest came the day after opposition forces in the Gulf state said they planned to hold a series of protests during the race including road blocks.
Rights groups have accused Bahrein’s authorities of cracking down on any form of dissent ahead of the Grand Prix as opposition groups have stepped up protests in and around the capital Manama.