Manama, Jun 11 (IANS): Bahrain on Wednesday handed a protest note to the Iraqi ambassador, urging Baghdad to take all measures to prevent some militant groups from plotting against the kingdom.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told the Iraqi envoy that his country rejects any interference in its internal affairs, according to a statement carried by official BNA news agency, Xinhua reported.

Earlier in the day, the Bahraini foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Ahmed Naif Rasheed Al Dalimi to its headquarters, and lodged the protest.

The minister also pledged additional efforts to work with the anti-Islamic State coalition.

On Sunday, Bahrain's interior ministry said that it smashed a major "terrorist" plot with links to outlawed groups in Iran and Iraq.

The ministry said it arrested a number of suspects connected to a group called "Saraya Al Ashtar", which is responsible for carrying out a series of terrorist attacks against policemen between 2013 and 2015.

According to it, two fugitives aged 26 and 29, who were the commanders of the sleeper cell, are still at large in Iran, adding that they had recruited 12 Bahrainis for terrorist operations in the country.

It said they conspired with partners outside Bahrain and received explosives and other support.