Lawmaker in call to implement key legislation on reserve force

Considering the escalating tensions in the region, a Bahraini Parliamentarian has called for speeding up the process of implementing a legislation on the reserve forces in the Kingdom’s army. This comes as MP Hamad Al Kooheji yesterday stated that the implementation of the law of reserve forces in Bahrain Defence Force has become a “top national necessity” considering the security circumstances witnessed by the region, requiring “full preparation for any foreign threats”.

Mr Al Kooheji called upon his fellow legislators to speed up the approval of the draft law, underlining that this force requires the provision of all human capabilities to preserve security, stability and national gains. The MP commented: “The challenges that surround us require the presence of the sufficient manpower supporting our armed forces, which represent the fortified fortress and defender of the the Kingdom of Bahrain and its noble people.”

At the same time he pointed out that a number of fellow GCC countries have moved in this direction by reorganising its reserve force. Explaining further, Mr Al Kooheji stated that the support of the private sector of the reserve forces wages represents nationalism, community partnership and “a beautiful example of national responsibility that institutions in the private sector should have”.

He added: “The formation of the reserve force by the Bahrain Defence Force constitutes a requirement of national and popular consensus, especially in this critical and difficult stage the region is going through and which needs an exceptional stand to maintain national security.”

Iran has promised severe revenge for the US killing of Qassem Soleimani, the country’s powerful military commander. Across the Middle East, these threats of confrontation have put on high alert the bases, ports and other installations where US troops are based or pass through.

On Friday, the Pentagon announced that it was sending an additional 3,500 troops to the region, while troops in Italy were put on standby, according to defence officials. The troop escalation came just days after President Donald Trump ordered an additional 750 US soldiers to the Middle East and 3,000 more to be on alert for future deployment after pro-Iranian forces stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad as part of a worsening cycle of violence.

The US has tens of thousands of military personnel at bases and aboard ships across the Middle East, as well as arrangements with various countries to move soldiers and military equipment through airstrips and ports.