U.S. security extremely tight at WTO
|
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Tuesday, November 12, 2001
ABU DHABI Ñ The United States has deployed a massive security
presence
in Qatar during the World Trade Organization ministers meeting in that Gulf
Arab state.
The United States has sent a virtual armada to Doha amid fears of an
attack by Islamic fundamentalists aligned with Saudi fugitive Osama Bin
Laden. The U.S. deployment includes attack helicopters as well as two
warships. In all, about 2,100 U.S. Marines were sent to Qatar to provide
security.
Officials said the helicopters warships are meant to provide for instant
evacuation from Doha in case of attack.
At the WTO meeting, U.S. security personnel provided little access to
outsiders. Briefings held by the U.S. delegation were delayed until every
journalist was searched.
Qatar, the host of the conference, has led the security effort.
Authorities deployed metal detectors in all public buildings used by
conference delegates. Police and security forces were deployed throughout
the area of the conference in Doha.
But Qatari personnel are not protecting the U.S. delegation. U.S.
officials are concerned that Qatari security forces are riddled with Islamic
insurgents.
On Wednesday, a Qatari security officer opened fire on a U.S.-manned air
base in Doha. The officer was shot and killed.
The United States is on alert throughout the Persian Gulf region. On
Sunday, U.S. ambassador to Kuwait Richard Jones cancelled an appearance at
Kuwait University amid a bomb alert.
|