A decision to close an American-run school in Bahrain today (February 12) over security concerns has been criticised by MPs, who said it played into the hands of terrorists.

They also said a security alert issued by the US Navy shattered claims by opposition groups such as Al Wefaq that the protest movement in Bahrain was "peaceful,” said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It follows a US Navy warning that Bahrain's opposition could resort to violence to mark the anniversary of anti-government protests four years ago.

The Anti-Terrorism Force Protection notice warns of protesters' attempts to disrupt traffic, burn tyres, throw Molotov cocktails, detonate explosives and use homemade weapons.

The Bahrain School in Juffair, which is operated by the US Defence Department, will close for one day today as a precaution.

Meanwhile, US Naval Support Activity Bahrain is telling Americans to avoid "restricted" areas where radicals are known to operate.

"By announcing the closure of schools and areas of demonstrations, the US and other countries are indirectly supporting these radical groups," said parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman MP Jamal Bu Hassan.

"It's like they are accepting their terms and announcing their so-called plans to the people of Bahrain, when there is no need to worry as things are much better now.

"This is our local issue, which we are dealing with, and we do not want others to openly publicise the bad things that a few people in Bahrain want to highlight.

"February 14 is like another National Day for all Bahrainis to celebrate, rather than taking part in protests or strikes."

Those sentiments were echoed by MP Khalid Al Shaer, who is chairman of parliament's human rights committee.

"There is no reason to do all this and US authorities are giving reasons for some teenagers to promote their agenda to demolish the democracy of our country," said Al Shaer.

"They should not support such calls that come under the guise of peaceful activism.

"February 14 is an important day for all Bahrainis to celebrate the anniversary of the National Action Charter, when the nation voted with a 98.4 per cent 'yes' to the charter."

The US Navy alert warns that opposition attempts to destabilise Bahrain could continue until the end of March.

"Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) anticipates widespread protest activity to take place from tonight through the end of March 2015, predominantly in the restricted areas," it states.

"These activities may include increased protests, attempts to disrupt traffic, protests near economic centres, tyre fires, throwing of Molotov cocktails and the isolated use of improvised explosive devices and homemade weapons."

Saturday is the fourth anniversary of anti-government protests that broke out in 2011.

However, police continue to come under attack from terrorist groups and an officer is still critical after being set on fire with Molotov cocktails in Manama on Saturday.

"Although the anniversaries of significant events in Bahrain - including February 14, March 14, and March 18 - typically experience a higher volume of violent protest activity, protests can erupt at any time without warning," says the US Navy alert.

It added that there has been no direct threat to US citizens in Bahrain, but said opposition activity posed a risk and encouraged people to limit their travel.

The Bahrain School, which is a Department of Defence Education Activity (DoDEA) school, which will reopen as normal on Sunday, according to a notice on the Bahrain Community School Principals Facebook page.

"Out of caution and prudence, we have, in co-ordination with US officials on the island, decided to close the Bahrain Complex Schools on Thursday," said an announcement in the group.

Principals Christy Blevins and Dr Terry Greene advised parents to make alternative arrangements for their children.

"There will be no sports or other activities at Bahrain Elementary and Bahrain Middle/High schools on Thursday and through the weekend," the principals said in a joint statement.

However, a spokeswoman for the US Embassy said the mission was functioning normally today.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has also warned of an expected increase in demonstrations and protests.

The outlawed Coalition of February 14, which has been blamed for a series of violent attacks on police since 2011, yesterday posted photographs on its Twitter account showing masked thugs distributing pamphlets to shop owners warning them not to open for three days from today until Saturday. Security is expected to be stepped up across Bahrain over the coming days as a precaution. - TradeArabia News Service