Homeland Security

DATE=02/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BAHRAIN / TERRORISM (S-O)

NUMBER=2-299678

BYLINE=ALISHA RYU

DATELINE=MANAMA, BAHRAIN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Authorities in Bahrain have arrested five men on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks in the Gulf state. V-O-A Correspondent Alisha Ryu has details from Bahrain's capital, Manama.

TEXT: A Bahraini government spokesman, who declined to be identified, told V-O-A that five Bahraini citizens, aged 31 to 41, have been charged with plotting violent acts against innocent citizens.

/// GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL ACT ///

A number of weapons and ammunitions were seized, which the group was planning to use, for carrying out acts of terrorism, targeting the security of the country, and the people.

/// END ACT ///

It is not clear when the men were arrested or who they were targeting. The arrests are the first terrorist-related arrests in Bahrain since the attacks in the United States in September, 2001.

Bahrain, a staunch U-S ally in the Gulf region, is the home of the U-S Navy's 5th Fleet. In recent weeks, thousands of additional American military personnel have been gathering here in preparation for a possible strike against Iraq.

Earlier this week, a taped message believed to be from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, urged all Muslims to resist any U-S attack on Iraq. Bahraini officials say investigators are still trying to determine whether the men have links to terrorist organizations, including al-Qaida. (Signed)