State Department renews Bahrain travel alert

MANAMA, Bahrain, April 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department renewed a travel alert for Bahrain Wednesday, warning American citizens of the "potential for unrest" in the Middle Eastern nation.

The statement mentions that, in the wake of "spontaneous and sometimes violent anti-government demonstrations" in some neighborhoods, all travelers to Bahrain face increased scrutiny from authorities, and that the Bahraini government has refused some U.S. citizens permission to enter the country.

It warns that the demonstrators have blocked major roads, burned debris in the streets and have thrown "homemade weapons" and "crude improvised explosive devices." Additionally, it says the country's Ministry of the Interior has established official checkpoints on roadways and "routinely uses tear gas and stun grenades" in clashes with protesters.

The U.S. Embassy in Manama remains open, as does the airport, the statement said.