MANAMA (Sputnik) — The vessel was intercepted in the north of the country as it was setting sail, the interior ministry told RIA Novosti. Eight suspects were arrested together with the boat’s captain and first mate.
The ministry suspects two Bahraini citizens in Iran of being behind the smuggling attempt. They allegedly fled to the Islamic Republic after one of them was sentenced to life in jail for terrorism.
Bahrain, a majority-Shiite monarchy with a Sunni royal family, has been accusing Iran of backing Shiite militants. Many people have been jailed on charges of terrorism for taking part in anti-government protests.
