The Kingdom's security bodies have been fighting terrorism for the last eight years and have succeeded in foiling plots to destabilize the country's security and stability. One leader has done a great deal to ensure the country has been protected from this menace. Prince Muhammad Bin Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs, has become the Kingdom's top counterterrorism official. His determination to confront the criminal plots of the terrorist Al-Qaeda organization has infuriated its masterminds, to the extent that they plotted to kill him at his home in Jeddah. The assassination attempt took place two years ago while Prince Muhammad was receiving guests at his Jeddah palace during the holy month of Ramadan. The man he was most eager to see had arrived on a jet sent by the prince. He was 23 and full of bad intentions. Abdullah Asiri had earlier told Prince Muhammad by phone that he wanted to abandon Al-Qaeda's branch in Yemen and come home. He was at the top of the Kingdom's 86 most wanted list of fugitives. But as he now approached Prince Muhammad, he set off explosives stashed in his underwear. Asiri was gone in an instant, his body splattered around the ornate room. Almighty Allah saved the bold prince who was, in good faith, only looking to help him. For Prince Muhammad, it is a momentous struggle to defeat those who are using Islam as a cover to justify their terrorist acts. He has never allowed himself to be intimidated by the attempt on his life and is more committed than ever to continue his war against terrorism wherever it rears its ugly head. Leading role Analysts and experts in terrorism describe Prince Muhammad as the “number one enemy of terrorism and Al-Qaeda organization” which has used Yemen as a hub for its deviant leaders and members. In fact, Yemen has become the headquarters for the organization after the assassination of its leader Osama Bin Laden. Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Saqor, President of Al-Khaleej Center for Research said, “The role played by the Assistant Minister of Interior in fighting terrorism is considered the most distinguished not only in the Gulf but also at an international level. The Kingdom now leads the world in fighting terrorism.” He said the leadership has provided states like Britain and India and others with security and intelligence information which have protected these countries from terrorist operations. The ‘General' Prince Prince Muhammad, who is described by the Washington Post newspaper as “The commander of the largest anti-terrorism campaign in the world”, has drawn up a two-pronged approach to fighting terrorism. The first is to chase Al-Qaeda and foil its heinous plots and the second is to help the brainwashed victims of the deviant ideology and place them onto the right path. Dr. Abdullah Al-Gaba, an expert in political affairs, said the prince, who is described by the West as “General” has courageously and efficiently led a local anti-terrorism campaign which has been expanded to become an international initiative. This has ensured the country has been able to launch preemptive strikes against Al-Qaeda and thwart its plots. With Allah's blessings and the efforts of the security forces and leadership of this patriot, the country has avoided disaster. Building capacity Over the past years Prince Muhammad has been fully engrossed in building and developing the capabilities of security bodies especially those involved in combating terrorism. He provided them with the latest equipment and weapons used in the field. Above all he was preoccupied with developing the abilities of security officers capable of countering terrorism and fighting crime. This stems from his conviction that this is the pillar of successful security work. Those close to Prince Muhammad know that he enjoys handling terrorism issues and other complicated security matters. It is part of his nature to work hard. This explains the success he has achieved in the anti-terrorism field. When terrorism was at its peak Prince Muhammad used to work day and night. It was not an exaggeration to say he would not sleep for three days when terrorists attacked the Abdul Aziz Oasis Compound in Al-Khobar. Prince Muhammad has won the appreciation and support of the leadership for all his work.Counterterrorism efforts get a boost with high-tech equipment 8,000 more security men to be ready in next 2 yearsBy Abdullah Al-Oraifij Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH – High-tech machinery and equipment to detonate explosives without harming their surroundings have been deployed to enhance the Special Security Force's ability to combat terrorism – and the group will add 8,000 security men in the next two years, Okaz/Saudi Gazette has learned. Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs, watched a field test of the new equipment, which he said is a significant addition to Force's ability to fight terrorism. The group's capabilities will also grow through the addition of 8,000 members during the next two years, after they complete intensive training courses in specializations related to combating terrorism, according to sources. The Special Security Force's responsibilities include defusing and detonating explosives, protecting VIPs, combating riots, providing air security for Saudi Arabian Airlines planes, protecting some sensitive locations, supporting other security sectors and carrying out any other required tasks. Maj. Gen. Muhammad Bin Hamad Al-Omani, Commander of the Special Security Forces, said the organization is ready to handle any situation at any time or place with full force and effectiveness. He added that thanks to the support of the leadership, the personnel are achieving what they have been aspiring to do: carry out their tasks, duties and responsibilities in serving the nation; protect its capabilities and accomplishments; and ensure the safety of its citizens. __
