World Tribune.com


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.

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