SOCCER
World Cup security in Qatar
October 31, 2022 - With partners from 13 countries, Qatar security forces will deploy 49,000 government and private security personnel, plus international air and naval assets, to ensure security at the World Cup, which runs from November 20 to December 18.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will contribute to Qatar’s World Cup security exercise, dubbed Watan -- which translates to “Nation” in Arabic.
Eurofighter Typhoons from Number 12 Squadron will support counter-terrorism efforts during the FIFA competition. Based at RAF Coningsby, the 12 Squadron is a joint RAF-Qatari Emiri Air Force Typhoon Squadron.
With more than 1.2 million fans visiting during the competition, Qatar has “developed an extensive integrated monitoring network complete with audio-visual sensors, drones and CCTV,” Dr Andreas Krieg at King’s College London told Al Jazeera.
A National Security Center will monitor 15,000 security cameras with facial recognition technology from all eight World Cup stadiums, Krieg noted.
“Anti-drone systems are in place,” said Krieg, referring to U.S.-based Fortem Technologies’ SkyDome and DroneHunter systems.
Britain also supplies counter-terrorism personnel, venue search training, operational planning, and command and control support.
Turkey has announced it will send 3,250 security guards, including riot police, 100 special operations police, 50 bomb specialists and 80 sniffer dogs.
France will send 200 gendarmes and police officers for crowd management, while Pakistan has sent troops to boost security.
- How Qatar is planning to ensure security at World Cup 2022 (Al Jazeera)
- From fighter jets to counter-UAV tech, Qatar prepares World Cup security (Breaking Defense)
- Pakistan army contingent leaves for Qatar to provide World Cup security (Middle East Monitor)
- Qatar conscripts civilians for World Cup security (Reuters)