Saudi Arabia won’t accept any foreign dictation: Prince Miteb
Saudi Arabia won
By ARAB NEWS
Published: Dec 28, 2011 01:31 Updated: Dec 28, 2011 01:31
RIYADH: Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, state minister and commander of the National Guard, has underscored the high state of efficiency and preparedness achieved by his forces under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.
Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of a major military exercise titled “Wala & Fida2” in Shadqam outside Riyadh, Prince Miteb said Saudi Arabia would not accept any foreign dictation. “Saudi citizen is the most valuable asset of this nation, which is distinguished being a single mosaic, rejects any classification and foreign dictates. There is no place here for hypocrites and troublemakers,” he said.
The military drill was instrumental in strengthening the combat skills of National Guard officers as it was held in a real fighting situation. The exercise came toward the end of the training year with the participation of infantry brigades, air force, and supporting units in the Central and Eastern Sectors. It was for the first time that Air Force units participated in the drill.
Prince Miteb told Arab News that the timing of the exercise had nothing to do with what has been taking place in the region. “This exercise was planned well before. The National Guard has scheduled training programs,” he pointed out.
“We want to keep our forces ready to face any eventualities,” the prince said. On more than one occasion, he pointed that the National Guard is directed by King Abdullah, adding that the Guard’s forces have reached unprecedented level of efficiency.
“The National Guard officers have achieved great educational and training levels and its forces are always looking to acquire more advanced weapons and equipment,” the prince said. In his words, the military drill is the best proof of the Guard’s development.
He thanked all members of the participating brigades who proved their ability to master combat tactics and leadership.
Prince Miteb talked about the offensive-defensive strategy for the National Guard and the introduction of helicopters and air force into the drills. “King Abdullah supports any project that aims to develop our armed forces. Today, we reached such an advanced stage in terms of training pilots and technicians. Soon we’ll get new planes. This exercise is different from the previous ones in terms of the number of participants and the quality of participation. The coming years will witness a different level of equipping the air force.”
The commander reiterated the government’s support to the armed forces. “We are with the army and with our security forces and we are honored to be ready for any task given to us,” he added.
In response to a question about carrying out military exercises with the Ministry of Defense, Prince Miteb said: “We have conducted a number of joint drills in the past. There is good cooperation. Take for instance the participation of air force planes and medical evacuation planes in this exercise.”
He revealed that the National Guard officers had attended military courses inside and outside the Kingdom. The National Guard has its own plans and programs to be carried out at the level of platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels. Officers as well as soldiers pass through these ranks and military formations and each knows what is required.
Answering a question about the capabilities of the National Guard and the new weapon transactions, Prince Miteb said that it is not the Kingdom’s policy to publicize it through the media. The National Guard will show its strength through action and people can judge after watching the high level of efficiency demonstrated by them today in the military drills.”
As far as electronic warfare is concerned, Prince Miteb said it has been on for years and it has been changing from time to time. This kind of war develops with technology. The policy of the National Guard upon buying a new device is to ask about prospects of its development. “There is no need to buy another device as long as they can develop it,” he added.
The prince boosted the morale of men in uniform when he said that he would be ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of his colleagues. He said they were indispensable and that he took their advice seriously.
Commenting on absorbing the youth in the National Guard, he said his organization’s different units would take them in order to meet their requirements. He praised the new budget and said it would benefit men in uniform. He also praised what the military medicine has been offering for the benefit of military personnel.
The National Guard plays an important role in safeguarding markets, facilities, and malls. Prince Miteb said: “When we are asked to carry out any task, we are ready. Yet the mission of National Guard is not to watch these places but we have been cooperating with the Ministry of Interior. For this reason, some units started taking over these places to provide security. Now the National Guard units have started going back to their positions and get more training.”
© 2010 Arab News
