Bahrain to get US arms after four year embargo

The US will supply arms to the Bahraini government for the first time in four years.

US officials did not specify the weaponry or security systems that would be provided to the Bahrain Defence Force and National Guard.

The US State Department is resuming security aid after "meaningful progress" in Bahrain's human rights record, said spokesperson John Kirkby.

"While we do not think that the human rights situation in Bahrain is adequate... We believe it is important to recognise that the government of Bahrain has made meaningful progress on human rights reforms and reconciliation," he told reporters.

Clampdown

In 2011, Manama launched a harsh crackdown on anti-government protesters with the armies of its Gulf neighbours helping suppress rallies.

At least 89 people were killed by Bahraini security forces and the government arrested hundreds of dissidents.

No such improvements exist - Mark P Lagon, Freedom House

Since then, Washington has withheld security assistance to the tiny Gulf island nation.

Activist Nabeel Rajab, for example, was jailed for sending a Twitter message that was deemed to be insulting to the police.

Limited restrictions

Kirkby noted that Washington will "maintain restrictions on security sales to the Bahrain ministry of interior", although counter-terrorism equipment will be supplied.

Bahrain occupies a key strategic position in the Gulf, and home to the headquarters of the US 5th fleet.

Manama has, however, been accused by human rights organisations of practicing torture, and was placed just 163 on the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

Human rights campaigners condemned Washington's decision to supply arms to Bahrain, saying it was a "major blow" to efforts pressuring Manama to implement human rights reforms.

"The Obama administration's decision to lift the hold on military assistance to Bahrain cannot be attributed to improvements in political rights or civil liberties in Bahrain because no such improvements exist," said Mark P Lagon, president of Freedom House.

The State Department says that military sales to Bahrain since 2000 total $1.4 billion.