Saudi police special forces look for new recruits

The elite force is looking for new recruits

Members of Saudi security forces, pictured during a military parade, are reported to have foiled an attempted terror attack on Sunday. Reuters

When negotiations faltered with hijackers who had taken control of a Vnukovo Airlines plane with over 160 passengers aboard and flew it to Medina in 2001, Saudi Arabia sent in the Special Security Forces.

The elite police unit stormed the aircraft, shot dead one of the Chechen rebels who had taken control of the plane as it left Turkey for Moscow and freed the passengers. A flight attendant and a passenger were killed by the hijackers during the operation but two of the rebels were arrested.

The force originated as a highly trained, well-equipped backup force for the kingdom’s police, and applications are now open for two entry-level ranks.

The Special Security Forces are the unit ready for rapid deployment in a crisis and have a mandate of counter-terror operations, removing and planting explosives, securing aircraft and embassies as well as protecting provincial governors and Interior Ministry officials.

Potential recruits simply have to be Saudi nationals between 17 and 30 years old, at least 170 cm tall, be single or married to a Saudi national, have good academic qualifications and be physically fit.

The test for recruits includes a medical exam and personal interviews but with the Special Security Forces being one of the kingdoms most highly trained units, the application process is expected to be tough.

Ahead of last year's Hajj pilgrimage, the kingdom's military showed off their skills in a public display.