Blast wounds 3 Bahrain police as attacks widen

MANAMA, Bahrain – Authorities in Bahrain say a bomb blast has wounded at least three policemen during a series of anti-government attacks in the restive Gulf kingdom.

The explosion and firebomb assaults appear linked to a campaign of stepped-up violence by militant factions in Bahrain, where majority Shiites have staged a nearly 30-month uprising calling for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled island.

Saturday's attacks also come on the eve of an emergency parliament session called to discuss the rising number of bombings, including one near Bahrain's royal palaces.

The Interior Ministry said three policemen were hurt in a bomb blast, and cars and buildings were hit by homemade firebombs.

More than 60 people have died in Bahrain's unrest, but activists place the figure higher.