MANAMA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Minor clashes erupted between pro- and anti- government supporters on Friday in a first ever direct confrontation between the two sides.
At least 50 people were treated at the state-run Salmaniya Medical Complex for tear gas inhalation and minor injuries caused by knives and pelting stones. The Health Ministry later confirmed that there were no major injuries but only a few minor injury cases, saying that large number of people were self-admitted claiming tear gas inhalation.
The Ministry of Interior said on Friday that a small number of tear gas canisters were used to prevent protesters from clashing. "No other measures or actions were taken by Police. And rumors to the contrary are without foundation," a statement by Interior Ministry said.
"The internal situation is not good and that tension might lead to acts of sedition and deterioration in security. Therefore, everyone must be advised to keep away from such irresponsible acts, " the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The clashes started after a march called on Friday by the hardline Bahrain Coalition for Republic, which was attended by thousands of anti-government protestors.
Moments later, riot police fired tear gas to separate pro- and anti-government protestors from clashing, resulting in some people sustaining minor injuries. 
