Saudi-backed Bahraini forces have attacked peaceful demonstrators near the capital, Manama, dispersing the anti-government protest using force.

Saudi-backed Bahraini forces have attacked peaceful demonstrators near the capital, Manama, dispersing the anti-government protest using force.

The rally was in the western village of Malekia was held to express solidarity with an anti-government protester who was recently killed by regime forces.

Witnesses say regime forces used tear gas and sound grenades against the protesters, who were chanting slogans against the ruling Al Khalifa dynasty.

In a popular revolution, thousands of anti-government protesters have been staging demonstrations in Bahrain since February 2011, peacefully demanding that the Al Khalifa dynasty relinquish power.

On March 14, 2011, Saudi Arabia sent troops to the Persian Gulf kingdom at Manama's request to help Bahraini security forces' efforts to crush the nationwide protests.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protests in Bahrain, a longtime ally of the United States and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Bahrainis have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.