Governor: There is no organized crime in Asir

Prince Faisal ibn Khaled, governor of Asir, has said that recent reports in the media about terrorist crimes in Asir are exaggerated, adding that organized crime does not exist in the province.
“All incidents are individual cases that security forces deal with according to the law through security committees and daily reports. Forces help with surveillance and the apprehension of unidentified persons.”
Prince Faisal added that security agencies give daily briefings to the media about their nonstop efforts to monitor and apprehend illegal immigrants, to counter all rumors.
The Asir governor urged citizens not to engage or deal individually with unidentified people. “The role of a citizen ends when he reports those involved to authorities. They are capable of dealing with them and protecting the public,” he said.
Prince Faisal expressed his enthusiasm for developing the province. He considered topography as the most important challenge the governorate faces. He said the authorities encourage any investor — local or foreign — to provide capital for projects. “I follow up on the progress of the construction of the medical city, which will soon put an end to the travel problems of the inhabitants,” he said.
When asked how the state fights illegal immigrants, he said that it has formidable security capabilities and is capable of protecting its citizens.
Prince Faisal said there is a very dynamic trend for development projects in Saudi Arabia and Asir Province is no exception. He singled out the project of the university park. At a capacity of 70,000 students, it would stand out as the largest university in the Middle East.
In addition, there is the medical city and the many highway projects, which will form the major arteries of the area. Last but not the least, many touristic and developmental projects are in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the security media committee of the province announced that security forces arrested 1,949 illegal immigrants in the past 48 hours.
The forces are carrying out a round-the-clock campaign in a bid to clear the province from illegal immigrants.
Citizens reporting the location of infiltrators has led to their speedy arrest, the committee said. However, those who give refuge to them or help them move about will face severe penalties.
Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Interior Ministry, said a high-level security committee has been recently formed to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants in the southern parts of the Kingdom, on the directive of Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif.
“Security presence along the border has been intensified to prevent intruders. But there are some difficult terrains which people use to enter the Kingdom illegally.” Al-Turki urged Saudis to inform police about illegal immigrants and about those who assist and transport them.