JEDDAH, 1 September 2005 — The Interior Ministry has set up a special section to look after the families of security officers who fell martyr or were wounded during armed confrontation with terrorists, according to Prince Muhammad ibn Naif, assistant minister of interior for security affairs. Prince Muhammad said the opening of the section at the ministry’s Department of Military Affairs reflected the Saudi leadership’s concern toward the families of the officers who were either killed or wounded in antiterror operations.
Families of the martyrs have expressed their delight over the government move. “We have already been receiving good care from the government and the new section will further improve these services,” said father of officer Abdullah Al-Rasheedi, who died in a security operation. Saudi security forces have won applause for their brave performance in the fight against terror. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah recently praised the forces for their pre-emptive efforts to foil many terrorist attacks.
In a related development, Cabinet approved the weapons and ammunitions law regarding possession of weapons. The law allows possession of military and personal weapons by military personnel in the National Guard, the Defense Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the General Intelligence Department.
It restricts import and sales of personal firearms, air guns, hunting weapons and their accessories to licensed Saudi citizens. Individuals who have taken possession of weapons, their parts or ammunition through inheritance or will or any other means must inform authorities within three months. Under the law those who have lost their weapons are required to inform the authorities within a month.
