MANAMA, Bahrain: Anti-government protesters in Bahrain have set off pillars of black smoke from burning tires in apparent attempts to embarrass officials on the opening day of the country's air show.
The plumes were visible by people attending the aviation event, which includes American warplanes.
Bahrain's Sunni leaders have welcomed the air show as a sign of stability after more than 11 months of protests by the kingdom's Shiite majority, which complains it faces widespread discrimination.
The many smoky tire blazes Thursday was a show of resolve by demonstrators in the strategic nation, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
The three-day air show includes aircraft such as the U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet warplane.