Bahrain man dies after inhaling tear gas

The Associated Press

MANAMA, Bahrain — Relatives of a man in Bahrain say he has died after inhaling tear gas fired by security forces trying to disperse anti-government protesters in the Gulf kingdom.

Clouds of tear gas waft through the streets of Sitra, Bahrain, on Wednesday night, Sept. 14, 2011. Clashes erupted after word of a Sitra man's death. Relatives said the man died in hospital after being repeatedly exposed to heavy tear gas used by riot police to quell anti-government protests. The official Bahrain News Agency reported, however, that Sayed Jawad Ahmad, 35, was a sickle cell patient who died after suffering Acute Respiratory Syndrome Distress. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

Bahraini women chant anti-government slogans Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, in Sitra, Bahrain, near the home of a man who died. Relatives said the man died in hospital after being repeatedly exposed to heavy tear gas used by riot police to quell anti-government protests. The official Bahrain News Agency reported, however, that Sayed Jawad Ahmad, 35, was a sickle cell patient who died after suffering Acute Respiratory Syndrome Distress. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

Anti-government protesters stand amid makeshift barricades in the headlights of riot police vehicles, unseen, during clashes in the Shiite Muslim area of Sitra, Bahrain, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011. Clashes erupted after word of a Sitra man's death. Relatives said the man died in hospital after being repeatedly exposed to heavy tear gas used by riot police to quell anti-government protests. The official Bahrain News Agency reported, however, that Sayed Jawad Ahmad, 35, was a sickle cell patient who died after suffering Acute Respiratory Syndrome Distress. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

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The death could further increase tensions on the island nation between the ruling Sunni monarchy and majority Shiites seeking greater rights.

A brother of 35-year-old Sayyed Jawad Ahmed says he died after inhaling tear gas fired at protesters Tuesday night. The brother, Mohammed, says Ahmed was hospitalized and died Wednesday.

Bahrain's health ministry confirmed the death in a statement Thursday, saying Ahmed died from "acute respiratory syndrome distress."

More than 30 people have died since protests began in February inspired by other Arab uprisings.

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September 15, 2011 05:51 AM EDT

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