"It's a strategic project that ensures Lockheed Martin a major stake in
the Saudi security market," an industry source said.
"The force is being equipped and trained by Lockheed in the use of
state-of-the art defence technology including laser security and satellite
imaging to help protect installations and the kingdom's extensive oil and
gas pipeline network," MEES said.
The Facilities Security Force was announced in July 2007 by Saudi
Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz amid Al Qaida threats to
attack the huge oil sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom. In
February 2006, Al Qaida fighters burst through the Abqaiq refinery in the
Eastern Province but failed to destroy the facility.
The Al Qaida attempt confirmed Saudi fears of a major insurgency strike
on the kingdom's oil facilities. In November 2006, industry sources said,
Riyad invited U.S. security experts to discuss ways to protect the Saudi
energy sector.
The Interior Ministry has been responsible for the formation of the
Facilities Security Force. The sources said the ministry pledged not to
recruit from the military and paramilitary services.
The United States has also overseen an effort to modernize the Saudi
Arabian National Guard, comprised of 75,000 people. The Bush administration
also intends to sell at least $20 billion in weapons to Riyad.
Over the last two years, Saudi Arabia has succeeded in foiling numerous
Al Qaida attacks. But the kingdom remains rife with unrest, particularly in
the oil-rich Eastern Province.
On Aug. 23, a Saudi tribal leader called on Saudi security forces to
join the opposition Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia. The appeal was
made by Al Ajman tribal chief Emir Faisal Bin Salman Bin Sultan, who fled
Saudi Arabia in the 1990s and was now in Britain.
"I call on the security forces, the army and the national guard to join
the Movement and put their forces at the disposal of the opposition,"
Faisal, reported to have a constituency of 300,000, said.
