LONDON: The Saudi Arabian National Guard sent into Bahrain to crush protests receives training from the British military, a newspaper revealed yesterday.
The training, including in weapons and public order, is organised by the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabian National Guard, documents obtained by The Observer under freedom-of-information legislation show.
The secretive group is said to consist of 11 British Army staff under the command of a brigadier.
The disclosure comes amid criticism that the British government has not been as tough in tackling the Bahraini and Syrian regimes as it has in taking on Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.
Nicholas Gilby, of the Campaign Against the Arms Trade, said: ”Britain’s important role in training the Saudi Arabian National Guard in internal security over many years has enabled them to develop tactics to help suppress the popular uprising in Bahrain.”
The Ministry of Defence said that British involvement in training foreign forces was intended to engender a culture of respect for human rights.
A spokesman said: ”The UK provides world-class defence training and education to many countries, including in the Gulf, creating lasting ties between our armed forces and enhancing their ability to work together towards regional security and stability.
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