Oman’s Sultan restructures defence and security councils
Defence Council is extra-parliamentary body tasked with coordinating various forces
Dubai: Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said of Oman on Monday issued three royal decrees, restructuring the councils of Defence and National Security, as well as making new military promotions and appointments, the Oman News Agency said.
The Defence Council is an extra-parliamentary body tasked with coordinating the actions of the Sultanate’s various security and armed forces to safeguard the country’s security and defend it against any external threat. The council convenes when needed to announce public mobilisation.
Under Royal Decree No. 12 of 2021, the council will be chaired by Sultan Haitham, who is the Supreme Commander of the Oman Armed Forces.
The council’s members include the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Minister of the Royal Office and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Head of the Communication and Coordination at the Royal Office. The members also include the head of the Internal Security Service, Inspector General of Police and Customs and the Chief of Staff of the Oman Armed Forces.
Sultan Haitham also issued Royal Decree No. 13 of 2021 restructuring the National Security Council under his presidency. Its members will include the members of the Defence Council.
The National Security Council is tasked with handling all issues related to the country’s national security.
The council convenes under the chairmanship of Sultan Haitham in conditions set by him, otherwise it convenes under the chairmanship of the Minister of the Royal Office and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
As per Royal Decree No. 14 of 2021, military promotions and appointments were announced by Sultan Haitham. Brigadier General Nasser Saleh Saud Al Me’wali has been promoted to Major General and appointed as Secretary General of the National Security Council.
Brigadier General Sulaiman Khalid Al Zakawani has been promoted to Major General and appointed as Secretary General for military affairs at the Royal Office.
Brigadier General Salem Ali Bader Al Hosani has been promoted to Major General and appointed Commander of the Royal Guard of Oman.
Brigadier General Musallam Mohammed Tamman Ja’boub has been promoted to Major General and appointed as Commander of the Sultan’s Special Force.
Major General Abdullah Ali Hamad Al Harthi has been appointed as assistant to Inspector General of Police and Customs for operations.
Brigadier Khalifa Ali Nasser Al Seyabi has been promoted to Major General and appointed as assistant to Inspector General of Police and Customs for administrative and financial affairs.