Bahrain says weapons seized, car bomb defused

MANAMA, Bahrain — Bahraini officials seized stocks of weapons, including some being smuggled in by sea, and defused a car bomb during two days of security raids in the restless Gulf nation, the country's public security chief said Monday.

Authorities also announced the capture of a speedboat allegedly smuggling out 13 people, including one Saudi, wanted in connection with security cases in Bahrain. They were carrying passports, different types of currency, phones and personal belongings, according to a government statement.

Bahrain is a small island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia that hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. More than 65 people have been killed in violence since protests led by the country's Shiite majority began in February 2011 calling for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled nation.

Bahrain accuses Shiite powerhouse Iran of aiding the uprising. Tehran denies the accusations.

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