This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.

On Tuesday March 15, 2011, one month after protests started on the February 14 in Bahraini capital Manama, His Highness King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa announced a State of National Security, giving full power to the army to protect national security.

Recently demonstrations have escalated, with clashes between protesters, police and thugs occurring at the Bahrain Financial Harbour and University of Bahrain.

Tweeps have reacted with much confusion as to what the announcement means, with many considering it martial law. It comes after forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council's ‘Peninsula Shield Force‘ entered Bahrain on Monday 14.

GCC Troops

@WafflesBahraini: GCC Troops picture #2 #Bahrain http://twitpic.com/49g8mn

@ehsankooheji: To confirm the previous tweet is from official statement on BTV, a state of “National Safety” or Martial Law under BDF starting today.

@FetoonBintAhmed says [ar]:

@EbtisamBahar: Martial law! Now I can sleep with no fear! Thank Allah, shukran your Majesty

Note: Shukran means thank you in Arabic

@SiconianGirl: It is not called Martial Laws it is actually Declaration of National Security Status for 3months #Baharin #lulu #feb14

@LailaAlMoughani says [ar]:

@BHR14N says [ar]:

@IsaMohamed says [ar]

@MDaaysi: Whose martial law I may ask? if the King has no longer “got the power” … and Saudi troops are in #Bahrain

@Ausamah_Alabsi: Clarification: “State of National Safety” is NOT “Martial Law”, its a degree lower, the constitution differentiates between them

@Ausamah_Alabsi: The Difference between “State of National Safety” and “Martial Law” is that in “State of National Safety” CONSTITUTION IS NOT SUSPENDED

@Hrmsless says [ar]:

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.