LONDON: The UK Royal Navy is deploying four ships to the Gulf as part of security steps around the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as the country looks to an international coalition to ensure security for the competition.
Three British minehunters and an auxiliary support ship based in Bahrain will take part in regular patrols throughout the tournament.
A Royal Navy spokesman told Metro newspaper: “Three minehunters, plus their mothership, have been tasked to remain in and around Qatar and (the) Central Gulf until Christmas as part of the Qatari-led international security effort, making sure the world’s greatest festival of football is not ruined by a hostile act.
“HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Bangor will conduct round-the-clock patrols of the sea lanes leading to the Gulf state, using state-of-the-art sonar and underwater remote-controlled devices to locate and identify mines or bomb.” He added: “HMS Middleton will remain on standby to provide additional support if needed.”
The group’s commander, Adrian Visram, told Metro: “Our mine-hunting force has been out here for 16 years keeping the sea routes open. The continuing flow of trade and energy during these tumultuous times is even more vital to UK interests.
“It is an immense privilege to command the Royal Navy’s support to the FIFA World Cup, building upon the strong defence relationship between Qatar and the UK.
“This demonstrates our commitment to working with international allies and partners to protect against threats overseas and promote our values.”
Qatar will deploy tens of thousands of security personnel for the World Cup, including police and specialists from 13 other countries, to maintain order and head off terrorist activity.
French, Turkish and Pakistani riot police and bomb disposal experts will be among those stationed at stadia and fan zones across Qatar.
The US Department of Defense will also cooperate with Doha to provide “technical arrangements,” according to the Qatari Ministry of Defense.