Demonstrations are continuing in Bahrain against the U.S.-backed Sunni monarchy months after the first pro-democracy protests broke out. On Wednesday, Bahraini forces tear-gassed a crowd of peaceful protesters who had approached a line of police officers with their arms outstretched, indicating their peaceful intent. Video footage shows Bahraini forces unleashing large amounts of tear gas into the crowd. The demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of a 15-year-old boy who died last week after he was shot in the face with a tear gas canister. A second Bahraini protester died on Monday as a result of excessive tear gas inhalation. Human rights groups say more than 50 people have been killed since the Bahraini government launched its crackdown on protesters in February. Bahrain is a key strategic ally of the United States in the Middle East and home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.