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
Founded1997
CountryBahrain
AllegianceBahrain
BranchArmy
TypeLand Force
RoleLand warfare
Size3,800
Part ofKing of Bahrain
Garrison/HQAl-Sakhir, Bahrain
Anniversaries7 January
EngagementsBahraini 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

  1. The World Factbook
  2. "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.
  3. Monroe, William (9 April 2007). "Prominent Shias Paint Gloomy Picture of Shia Outlook in Bahrain". WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks cable: 07MANAMA328. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  4. "HM King Hamad Visits the National Guard". Bahrain News Agency. 3 March 2011.
  5. "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.
  6. "Bahrain Defence Force General Command". Bahrain News Agency. 16 March 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.


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