Saudi special forces in counter-terror training

Saudi Arabia’s special Emergency Force has recently been training in preparation for potential external security threats in light of the unrest currently sweeping the Middle East .

To fend off any possible marine, air, or ground attacks on the Gulf region, Saudi’s Emergency Force engaged in its fourth phase of training code-named Sawlet al-Haq (The Round of Truth) in which live ammunition was used.

One of the operations carried out during the training was the evacuation of a building occupied by “terrorists” with the help of helicopters.

The training tests the force’ ability to exercise self-restraint and cope with the harsh conditions while combating terrorism and taking part in rescue missions. The force members also trained how to achieve their goal with the least possible loss.

The Saudi Special Emergency Force was recently deployed in anti-piracy operations and took part before in rescue operations in hijacked planes.

The Saudi Emergency Force was established in 1972 to support the police in dealing with drug trafficking but it became charged of anti-terror missions in 1990s.

Now, there are 13 centers counter-terrorism centers affiliated to the Saudi Special Emergency Force across the kingdom.

(Translated from the Arabic by Sonia Farid)