The king of Bahrain has declared a three-month state of emergency, state TV reports, following weeks of pro-democracy protests in the kingdom.
It comes a day after troops from neighbouring Gulf states were sent to Bahrain to help deal with the unrest.
Protesters have blocked all roads leading to the capital's financial centre, the scene of clashes on Sunday that left more than 200 people wounded.
At least two people have been killed in Tuesday's clashes, reports say.
One is reported to be a member of the Bahraini security forces killed in clashes with thousands of protesters in Maamee, state television and the information ministry said.
Another Bahraini was also killed in clashes in nearby Sitra, reports said.
Not including the deaths on Tuesday, seven people have been killed since the start of the protests a month ago.
The nation's armed forces chief has been authorised to take all measures to "protect the safety of the country and its citizens", the emergency law announcement said.
About 1,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and a further 500 from the United Arab Emirates deployed in Manama, the capital, on Monday at the invitation of the government.
It is believed they intend to guard key facilities such as oil and gas installations and financial institutions.
The US state department has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to the country due to the ongoing unrest. The White House has also called on Bahrain to find a political rather than military solution to its problems and said the use of force and violence from any side would only worsen the situation. BBC News
