16 March 2011 Last updated at 11:06

In pictures: Bahrain protests cleared

Riot police gather on edge of Pearl Square. 16 March 2011.

Government forces in Bahrain have cleared Pearl Square, Manama, the focal point of protesters seeking widespread political reforms in the kingdom.

Protesters on Pearl Square. 16 March 2011.

The king's declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday did not deter the protesters. State TV said two policemen died as the square was cleared.

Anti-government protester being treated at Salmaniya hospital. 15 March 2011.

The US, a close ally of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, has called for restraint in the island kingdom, which is also home to the navy's Fifth Fleet. At least three protesters are reported to have died as police fired tear gas at the mainly Shia demonstrators.

A Bahraini woman reacts in the Shia Muslim village of Dumistan, Bahrain. 16 March 2011.

Beyond the capital, in the mainly Shia village of Dumistan, southwest of Manama, there is unease as people await the arrival of government forces there.

Protesters outside Saudi embassy in Manama. 15 March 2011.

The arrival of forces from the neighbouring Gulf states of Saudi Arabia and the UAE was called a declaration of war by protesters in Bahrain.

Middle East

In pictures: Bahrain protests cleared

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