Logistics crippled in Bahrain as riotous Arabs menace governments

SHIPMENTS to Bahrain are subject to delays because of continuing civil strife in the country hobbles supply chains and consignments are subject to severe delays.


Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa successfully called on military support from neighbouring Gulf State monarchies and 1,000 troops from Saudi Arabia crossed into the island kingdom, reported London's Independent newspaper.


Riot police advancing behind tear gas and backed by armoured vehicles and helicopters cleared protesters from Bahrain's Pearl Square.


Logistics operator Move One advised its clients the crowds were causing delays to shipments going via Bahrain, with "significant" delays to shipments passing through the port.


"Clashes between government forces and anti-regime protesters have affected shipment times due to low attendance by port workers, said the company.


A state of emergency has been declared after month-long protests turned violent last week when rioters attacked the financial and banking districts of the capital, said the company, reported London's International Freighting Weekly.


APM Terminals (APMT), which manages the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, said the facility "was open as usual although operations had been affected by staff shortages".


Reports estimate that 20 per cent of Bahrain's workforce are still attending their jobs, and those offices that remain open have now adopted a policy of closing early to allow employees to reach home before dark.


"Vessels continue to call and we continue to work them. We are co-ordinating directly with carriers calling at Bahrain to ensure that they are kept aware of the situation on a regular basis. Traffic volumes have remained unaffected to date," said Iain Rawlinson, APMT's Bahrain's chief commercial officer.


In Morocco, nationwide demonstrations are expected after dozens were injured when riot police broke up a riot in Casablanca.


Syrian mourners accused authorities of treason at the funeral of two protesters were killed in the southern city of Deraa. Both were killed when protests broke out in four cities, Syria's first large-scale demonstrations since Arab uprisings began. Police crackdowns left six dead and scores injured.


In Saudi Arabia, hundreds of Shia Muslims in the eastern part of the kingdom protested in support of Shias in Bahrain.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)