National Guard (Bahrain)

National Guard
الحرس الوطني
National Guard Insignia
Founded1997
CountryBahrain
AllegianceBahrain
BranchArmy
TypeLand Force
RoleLand warfare
Size3,000
Part ofKing of Bahrain
Garrison/HQAl-Sakhir, Bahrain
Anniversaries7 January
EngagementsBahraini uprising of 2011
Commanders
Current
commander
General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa
Insignia
National Guard flag

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]

The National Guard is commanded by General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa,[3][4] brother of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.[5] It consists of about 3,000 personnel.[6]

The National Guard was involved in the government's response to the 2011 Bahraini uprising. State media described the operation as having been carried out "with high standards of competence and professionalism".[7]

References