Lt. Gen. Saleh Al-Zouari says the troops and intelligence officers will conduct security sweeps in search of militants and provide additional security for the eight-team competition from Nov. 22-Dec. 4.

Some Arabian Gulf nations are having second thoughts about sending teams amid rising attacks by resurgent Al-Qaeda fighters and a stubborn southern secessionist movement.

There are almost daily clashes between the military and suspected Al-Qaeda gunmen.

Since May, Al-Qaeda has been blamed for the deaths of more than 55 soldiers.