U.S.: Saudi forces in Bahrain, not an invasion

The United States does not consider the entry into Bahrain of Saudi Arabian security forces an invasion, the White House said on Monday.

Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia sent about 1,000 troops into Bahrain to protect government facilities after mainly Shi’ite protesters overran police and blocked roads.

“We’ve seen the reports that you’re talking about. This is not an invasion of a country,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told a news briefing.

“We urge the government of Bahrain, as we have repeatedly, as well as other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, to exercise restraint,” Carney added.

The Gulf Cooperation Council comprises Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Reuters

Photo:  GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) leaders in a file picture. Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are all members in the council