Thousands of Bahraini protesters flooded back into Pearl Square in the capital of Manama on Saturday afternoon after the army appeared to withdraw from the area following two days of violent clashes that killed several people and injured dozens more.

Angry crowds headed toward the square chanted "Down, down Hamed!" referring to the king, and "Bring down the government!" according to the Los Angeles Times.

CNN's Nic Robertson described "scenes of jubilation" in Pearl Square, despite reports of initial attempts by police to disperse the protesters with tear gas.