Bahrain's King Declares Martial Law

March 15, 2011 10:44:00 PM By Lin Noueihed and Frederik Richter MANAMA, March 15 (Reuters) - Bahrain's king declared martial law on Tuesday as his government struggled to quell an uprising by the island's Shi'ite Muslim majority that has drawn in troops from fellow Sunni-ruled neighbour Saudi Arabia. An uneasy calm fell on Bahrain overnight, and a defence ministry statement suggested action against protesters camped out for weeks at Pearl roundabout could be swift. Forces may impose curfews, disperse gatherings and evacuate areas, it said. The three-month state of emergency hands power to Bahrain's security forces, which are dominated by the Sunni Muslim elite. Clashes left three dead. A hospital source said two men, one Bahraini and the other Bangladeshi, were killed in clashes in the Shi'ite area of Sitra and more than 200 people were wounded in various incidents. Story continues below