MANAMA(RAHNUMA): Bahrain has begun implementing a series of firm measures targeting individuals accused of undermining national security or acting against the interests of the state, including a review of citizenship entitlements, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa said on Sunday.
The king said that steps included reassessing cases of Bahraini nationality where there were grounds to do so, with action to be taken in accordance with the law against anyone found to have betrayed the country or threatened its stability, the Bahrain News Agency reported.
His remarks came after Bahraini authorities announced they had uncovered and dismantled several cells accused of links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Those detained were alleged to have been involved in monitoring sensitive locations in the kingdom and collecting intelligence on strategic sites.
King Hamad said the government was proceeding with determination to manage the consequences of recent regional developments, adding that the crown prince had been instructed to oversee the next phase of national measures. These are to include wide-ranging initiatives designed to address vulnerabilities, whether in security structures or the wider economy.
He underlined that protecting the nation required swift and decisive action against any individuals found to have harmed national interests, alongside a thorough review of citizenship cases to ensure appropriate legal steps were taken where necessary.
Describing the current environment as sensitive, the king stressed the importance of acting with a strong sense of national duty, adding that the state was a “sacred trust” that must not be compromised or neglected under any circumstances.
Bahrain said it had arrested three suspects in recent weeks accused of forming a cell linked to Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah. Authorities alleged the group had been in contact with operatives abroad and attempted to facilitate communications and activities aimed at threatening state security, intimidating residents, and destabilizing public order.
Officials said the suspects had undergone weapons training during visits to Lebanon after establishing contact with members of the group. They were also accused of transferring images and information related to the aftermath of Iranian strikes on Bahrain, and of raising funds under the pretext of charitable activity, which were allegedly redirected to support Hezbollah-linked operations. Authorities said these activities were part of preparations for potential terrorist assignments inside the kingdom.
Separately, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of five individuals, with a sixth suspect believed to have left the country. They are accused of espionage and of passing sensitive information to the IRGC via intermediaries in Iran, as well as recruiting others for planned attacks targeting state institutions and infrastructure.
Officials said the alleged plots were aimed at undermining national sovereignty, destabilizing economic entities, and spreading fear among the population.
