In Bahrain, Opposition Groups Become More Radical

Elements of the predominantly Shiite opposition movement in Bahrain have adopted increasingly radical tactics since the onset of protests in 2011. The newest rebel group in Bahrain, the Al Ashtar Brigade, claimed responsibility for an attack in Riffa the evening of July 17 in which a bomb placed in a vehicle was detonated in a parking lot. The blast destroyed the vehicle in which it was placed and damaged surrounding cars, but no injuries or deaths were reported. 

It is likely that as anti-regime sentiment persists among Shiite opposition activists, factions of the opposition will aspire to become more extreme, as can be seen with the Al Ashtar Brigade. However, despite the desire to stage more sophisticated attacks, each group appears to face the same constraints in obtaining the devices, materials and know-how necessary to conduct larger and more effective attacks.