National Guard (Bahrain)
The National Guard of Bahrain (Arabic: الحرس الوطني) is separate military force from the Bahrain Defence Force. The National Guard is charged with internal security and assisting the Bahrain Defence Force in defending against external threats.[1] It was established in 1997, through a royal decree by then Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.[2]
| National Guard الحرس الوطني | |
|---|---|
 National Guard Insignia | |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Country | Bahrain |
| Allegiance | Bahrain |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Land Force |
| Role | Land warfare |
| Size | 3,800 |
| Part of | King of Bahrain |
| Garrison/HQ | Al-Sakhir, Bahrain |
| Anniversaries | 7 January |
| Engagements | Bahraini uprising (2011–present) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa |
| Insignia | |
| National Guard flag |  |
The National Guard is currently commanded by General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, brother of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.[3][4] It consists of about 3,800 personnel.[5]
The National Guard has been involved in the Bahrain government's successful attempt at restoring order and peace after violent protesters wreaked havoc during the Bahraini uprising of 2011.[6]
Heavy Armour and Armoured combat vehicle
| Type/Class | Quantity | Origin | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otokar Arma armoured combat vehicle | 10+ | Turkey | in service 2010/12 |
| Otokar Akrep infantry mobility vehicle | 30+ | Turkey | in service 2005 |
| Otokar Cobra infantry mobility vehicle | 20+ | Turkey | in service 2008 |
| Humvee infantry mobility vehicle | 50+ | United States | Two types: BGM-71 TOW missile & Browning M2HB |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Light Armoured vehicles | 200+ | Japan | Locally Modified - VDJ78R Troop Carrier |
| FGM-148 Javelin | ? | United States | ??? missiles |
| RPG-7 | ? | United States | |
| M29 mortar | ? | United States | |
| M2 Browning | ? | United States | |
| Bofors 40 mm L70 Air and field Gun | 12 | Sweden | |
| M16 rifle assault rifles | ? | United States | |
| M4 carbine assault rifle | ? | United States | |
| Barrett M82 anti material rifle | ? | United States | |
| Heckler & Koch MP5 | ? | Germany | |
| M939 Truck 6x6 trucks | 50+ | United States | |
| MAN Truck & Bus military transport | 50+ | United States | |
| Toyota Coaster Troops transport | 50+ | Japan | |
| Nissan Patrol Light Armoured vehicles and Troops transport | 20+ | Japan |
Air force
| Type/Class | Quantity | Origin | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Utility helicopter | ? | United States |
References
- The World Factbook
- "Decree No 1 of the Year 1997 on the Establishment and Formation of the National Guard". Official Gazette of the Kingdom of Bahrain. 7 January 1997. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012.
- Monroe, William (9 April 2007). "Prominent Shias Paint Gloomy Picture of Shia Outlook in Bahrain". WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks cable: 07MANAMA328. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
- "HM King Hamad Visits the National Guard". Bahrain News Agency. 3 March 2011.
- "Bahrain". The 2011 US Department of State Background Notes. Retrieved 2 March 2012.
Bahrain also has a national guard that consists of about 3,800 personnel.
- "Bahrain Defence Force General Command". Bahrain News Agency. 16 March 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
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