US, Bahrain in reported arms deal
US and Bahrain close in on new arms deal, report says.
The United States and Bahrain are reportedly looking to sign a new arms deal worth over $50 million, the German defense news website defpro.com reported late last week.
According to the report, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a Defense Department agency, has notified the US Congress on the possible deal.
DSCA provides financial and technical assistance, transfer of defense materials, training, and services to US allies, and promotes military-to-military contracts.
Bahrain is seeking to purchase armored high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles, TOW missiles and associated equipment, and training and logistical support from the US military.
It comes as the Bahraini government continues to use violent force to crackdown on anti-government protesters in the country, killing dozens and arresting hundreds since the protests began earlier this year.
Defpro estimate the total cost of the deal, which still must get congressional approval, to be over $53 million.
Human rights groups say the United States, Britain and other Western countries are supplying arms to the Bahraini regime, despite the ongoing violence.
Human rights groups and the families of protesters arrested during the crackdown say that most detainees have been physically and psychologically abused.
BM
Section: Bahrain, Latest News, North America
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