Name given by protesters in Bahrain to the fourth day of their national uprising
A pre-dawn security crackdown on Pearl Roundabout protesters killed four and intensified demands for political reform in Bahrain during the Arab Spring.
Key Facts
- Date
- 17 February 2011
- Protesters killed
- 4 people
- Protesters injured
- approximately 300 people
- Security forces injured
- 50 people
- Location of raid
- Pearl Roundabout, Manama
- Armoured personnel carriers deployed
- more than 50 vehicles
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Bahraini protesters had gathered at Pearl Roundabout in Manama as part of a broader national uprising aligned with the Arab Spring, camping there in tents and demanding political reform from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's government.
In the pre-dawn hours of 17 February 2011, Bahraini security forces launched a sudden raid on Pearl Roundabout, firing tear gas and birdshot at sleeping protesters, killing four and injuring around 300. Medics, ambulances, and a journalist were also reportedly attacked during the operation.
The crackdown escalated tensions, with opposition parties resigning from Parliament and protesters demanding an end to the king's reign. Internationally, the UN, EU, and US expressed concern, the UK revoked some arms export licences, while the Gulf Cooperation Council backed the Bahraini government's actions.