National Guard (Bahrain)

Air force

The National Guard of Bahrain (Arabic: الحرس الوطني‎‎) is a separate Royal Bahraini Army in Bahrain that serves both as defence force against external threats and as a security force Ministry of Interior (Bahrain) against internal threats. It was established in 1997, through a royal decree by then Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The National Guard is currently commanded by Lieutenant-General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, brother of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. It consists of about 3,800 personnel.

The National Guard has been involved in the Bahrain government's violent crackdown on outlaws protesters during the Riots events (2011-2012).