Manama, November 13 (RHC)-- Anti-regime protests continue in Bahrain as people take to the streets in various parts of the Persian Gulf kingdom. Violence broke out on Wednesday as Bahraini security forces clashed with protesters during the largest rally that took place in the northwestern village of Bani Jamra.

According to reports, people also protested the regime's policies in the al-Shakhoura and Sufala villages. The protesters called for the ousting of the Al Khalifah regime and demanded a referendum be held on the country's political future.

Since mid-February 2011, thousands of protesters have held numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling on the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.

Bahrain -- a strong ally of the United States and home for the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet -- has been criticized by human rights groups for its harsh crackdown on anti-government protesters since the country's uprising began in February 2011.

In June, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights censured the Manama regime for human rights violations. A total of 46 members of the international body expressed deep concern over the Al Khalifa regime's crackdown on peaceful protesters.