By Ibrahim Alawi
Okaz/Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH – The special force in charge of protecting vital installations will be given advanced training to combat terrorism and carry out rapid intervention, said Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Jabari, commander of the force to ensure security of installations.
Fifty officers from the force have qualified to attend the intensive training programs to be conducted inside the Kingdom and abroad, he pointed out.
Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette on the sidelines of a graduation ceremony for officers who attended a training course to combat terrorism and rapid intervention, he said Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, has approved the new training program.
The graduation ceremony took place at the training center for security forces in Jeddah.
He said the new training courses would strengthen the capabilities of special security forces to protect the Kingdom’s oil and industrial plants as well as other vital installations.
“This is the second graduation ceremony of officers who have attended the training course. It will be followed by graduation of the remaining officers in order to raise the capabilities of special forces in charge of safeguarding vital installations,” Al-Jabari said.
He also noted his force’s contributions toward safeguarding pilgrims who come for Haj. “We have reviewed the force’s performance last year to avoid negative aspects. We have conducted a number of workshops with relevant agencies for this purpose,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Khalaf, assistant commander of the force for planning and development, said the advanced training program to combat terrorism was the result of efforts made during the past years.
“The training programs have been upgraded considering the importance of vital installations such as oil refineries and pipelines being protected by the force,” he explained.
He said domestic, regional and international challenges demanded rapid intervention by the force in coordination with other security agencies, with greater professionalism.
“Seventy-seven officers have joined the training course from the force deployed in Madinah, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Makkah, Northern Border Province and Tabuk,” the assistant commander said.
“They have received special training in fitness, special skills, weight lifting, overload, long walk, crossing barriers, trenches, carrying luggage and traveling through difficult terrain,” Al-Khalaf said.
