MANAMA: The Bahraini government has revoked the nationality of 72 citizens for damaging national security, the state news agency BNA reported on Saturday.

A list published on the agency’s website included names of well-known Sunni and Shiite families, suggesting the move did not focus solely on the protracted unrest by Shiite majority.

The move aimed “to preserve security and stability and to confront terrorist dangers and challenges, given that some citizens are acting to undermine the interests of the kingdom,” the state news bulletin said.