Authorities in Bahrain say a series of blasts in the capital has killed at least two people and wounded another.

The state Bahrain News Agency described the five explosions Monday in Manama as “acts of terrorism.”

Last week Bahrain banned all protest gatherings.

A protest movement, aimed at breaking the Sunni minority's hold on power in the Persian Gulf nation, began almost two years ago.

Bahrain is an important US. ally and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. Washington has taken a cautious line with authorities, urging the country's leaders to open more dialogue with the opposition.