Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): It doesn't seem that the authorities in Bahrain are willing to draw back from their latest string of security measures, most notably revoking the citizenship of the Shiite spiritual leader in the country Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim- that's at least what government officials and the strict measures taken on the ground reveal.

Despite widespread reactions expressed by international and regional leaders, including the gulf monarchy's allies, concerning the potential consequences of such decision, the authorities have carried on their brutal campaign, which Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmad Al Khalifa claims aims at "protecting the country's security and avoiding slipping into chaos and destruction."

A security force on Tuesday (June 22, 2016) raided the Al-Bayan "religious consultation" office west of the country, which is linked to Ayatollah Qassim. Activists said that the security service men broke into the place and confiscated its belongings, and then raided the nearby apartments in the building, in which religious studies students reside.

This coincided with the heavy deployment of National Guard military vehicles and members across the kingdom. A number of eyewitnesses said that they even saw military vehicles passing from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway in the evening.

On Wednesday (June 23, 2016), reports said that the authorities imposed a complete siege on the Diraz area, where the religious spiritual Shia leader lives.

Security forces were seen blocking all entrances to the village with concrete barriers to prevent protestors from joining the rally staged outside Sheikh Qassim's home.

However, opposers of the authorities' decision to revoke the prominent cleric's nationality don't seem to have the intention to back down, as thousands of protestors, including children and elderly, continued to rally in Diraz and the areas surrounding it voicing solidarity with Sheikh Qassim. Despite rising temperatures, the streets surrounding his house turned into an open rally, where protestors perform their prayers and break their fast.

While the authorities are still observing the scene, particularly regional and international reactions to the move, many accuse the Saudi government of involvement in the campaign launched against the opposition which represents the Shiite majority in Bahrain. This Saudi support most definitely encourages the Bahrainis and gives them the green light to carry on their arbitrary measures.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders and figures behind bars did not fail to express their opposition to the decision and stressed in a statement that one shall not stand silent to such insulting and oppressive measures.

There are many speculations as to what the consequences of this situation will be. Based on the authorities strict attitude, it is very unlikely for the government to reverse its decision. The least that could take place is dispersing the demonstrators rallying outside Sheikh Isa Qassim's home and closing down the site with barbed wires to prevent any protestors from reaching the area. However, some activists speculate a more brutal outcome, where the authorities force the Sheikh into exile or order his house arrest until a court ruling is issued. The current period is very decisive and only the coming hours will draw the picture and decide the possible outcomes of the scene in Bahrain.

Arabic Version