Call to upgrade security at airport, airline
Security at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) and for the national carrier must be upgraded, taking into consideration the increase in terrorism witnessed globally, stated Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee Deputy Chairman Jamal Bu Hassan.
The proposal is significant, as a recent study had ranked Bahrain first among GCC states for being under the threat of terrorism. The Global Terrorism Index 2015, compiled by Institute for Economics and peace, stated that terrorism killed more than 32,600 people last year, an 80 per cent increase from 2013 and the sharpest yearly rise on record.
Several countries have also upgraded security at their airports, in view of the heightened terror threats.
Speaking to DT News, Bu Hassan stressed that both Iranian influenced forces and ISIS are equally dangerous to Bahrain. “It is time to take new measures to protect our people, the airport, the national carrier
and our assets. Terrorism is very active in the Middle East and all around the world. It may be costly to implement new security measures, but it is vital at this time,” he said.
He said the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee recently submitted a proposal to the employ ‘secret agents’ in the national carrier. “We suggested special agents with special tools to protect flights in case of a hijack or threat. They will be responsible to protect the passengers and do what is necessary to bring the flight under control,” he said.
“Each airline will need to have five agents who will be seated at various positions,” he added.
However, he raised concerns that there is a good chance for the proposal to be rejected.
“Because of the expenses involved, it may be turned down. Regardless of what happens, it is vital to react to the threat of terrorism and take new measures to enhance the security,” he stated.
Bahrain Airport Company(BAC) was not available for a comment.
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