DOHA —
Qatar has recalled some national service conscripts from their civilian jobs to
boost stadium security during the World Cup, authorities said Tuesday.
اضافة اعلان
With more than one
million fans expected to visit during the 32-nation tournament, the Gulf state
will be relying on foreign security forces as well as its own army and police
for the massive operation.
Since 2014, all
Qatari men aged between 18 and 35 have had to train for four months with the
military. The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, said in a recent interview
that he was considering extending national service to women.
Conscripts in key
jobs can delay their national service but some have been called in for
World Cup duties.
“Qatar’s national
service program will continue as normal during the World Cup,” a government
official said in a statement.
“Recruits
completing their mandatory service will be supported by a small number of
temporary recalls. This is standard practice and happens every year during
major public events such as the national day celebrations,” the official added.
Conscripts were
also used for security duties when Qatar held the world athletics championships
in 2019 and the
FIFA Arab Cup, a rehearsal for the World Cup, last year.
Security guards
from private companies and thousands of World Cup volunteers have had special
training alongside the conscripts on handling the huge crowds expected around
the eight stadiums in the Doha region, a security official said.
Qatar has more
than 50,000 soldiers and police, but is using thousands of private guards for
stadium security while foreign countries are helping to police the
streets.
Turkey has agreed to send
3,200 police during the World Cup, and diplomats said Pakistan and Morocco are
also expected to send forces.
Read More Sports
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
