Gulf, UK discuss explosives and weapons

A Bahraini official yesterday inaugurated a meeting for GCC and British specialists and experts in weapons and explosives, which is scheduled to last two days.

The event is part of the efforts of the 37th Gulf Summit, which was held in the Gulf state in the presence of British Prime Minister Theresa May. It is hoped it will help enhance cooperation and coordination between the two sides, especially in the security field, and to discuss the effects and danger of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

During his opening speech, Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al-Hassan, said: “The phenomenon of terrorism is at the forefront of international, regional and local events, and attracts the attention of legal and criminal experts due to the grave threats it poses to society on a security, economic and social level.”

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He added: “The phenomenon destroys public and private property, desecrates sanctities, and causes terror in the hearts of citizens. It kills innocent civilians and military officials, as well as endangers the security and safety of the entire society as a result of mistaken principles. These principles may be dictated by foreign parties or other countries, or may be an extremist interpretation of ideas and doctrines.”

Bahrain had been suffering from terrorism backed by Iran for decades, specifically after the Khomeini revolution in Iran. This has manifested itself in the formation of terrorism and vandalism groups inside and outside Bahrain, such as Hezbollah, Saraya Al-Ashtar, February 14 and Al Wafa movement.

He also referred to the involvement of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in recruiting, financing and training terror cells and providing them with logistic operations such as ammunition and explosives that are trafficked through the borders. They also established military camps in Iran and Iraq. Some Iranian elements, as well as others influenced by them, provide the religious cover for such terrorist activities and have tried to legitimise them.