20110218
Xinhua
BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The wave of anti-government protests continued spreading in the Middle East and North African regions in the wake of uprisings that toppled leaders in Egypt and Tunisia.

In Bahrain, four protesters were killed and dozens wounded after anti-riot police stormed the Pearl Square in central Manama on Thursday.

The Bahraini army said in a statement the same day that tough measures will be used to keep stability of the country.

"The military staffs from the Bahraini Defense Force (the army) have been deployed in the capital in order to take all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of citizens and to protect their freedom and properties from violence," said the spokesman of the Bahrain Defense Force. >> Bahraini army deployed on street: spokesman

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday expressed "deep concern" about deadly clashes in Bahrain and called for restraint. >>Clinton expresses "deep concern" about situation in Bahrain

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday also expressed disturbance over the violent raids against anti-government protesters in Bahrain and called on leaders to exercise restraint towards civilians and journalists.

"The reports from Bahrain overnight are deeply troubling, here as elsewhere, violence should not be used against peaceful demonstrators and against journalists." Ban told reporters at the United Nations.

In Yemen, one protester was killed and about 50 were injured Thursday in clashes between police and anti-regime protesters in the capital of Sanaa and southern port city of Aden, local sources told Xinhua. >>One protester killed, 50 injured in clashes in Yemen

Recently, several thousands of Iraqis sporadically took to the streets in several provinces across the country protesting unemployment and a sharp rise of food prices, as well as demanding better public services.

On Thursday, Hundreds of Iraqis rallied in southern Iraqi provinces, demanding better living, jobs and public services.

Seven people, including policemen, were wounded by the turmoil, according to a provincial police source. >> Hundreds rally in Iraq to protest over jobs, services

In the northern African country of Lybia, several hundred people on Wednesday clashed overnight with police and government supporters in the eastern city of Benghazi, demanding the government to resign.