Riyadh – Lt. Gen. Saeed bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani, a highly respected figure in Saudi Arabia’s security apparatus and Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations, died Friday following a short illness. His passing marks a significant loss for the Ministry of Interior, where he dedicated six decades to public safety and national security. Funeral prayers were held at King Khalid Grand Mosque, attended by senior officials including the Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.
The death of Al-Qahtani, a veteran of numerous critical security roles, occurred in Riyadh. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif led the funeral prayer and extended condolences to the family on behalf of the Kingdom’s leadership. The Ministry of Interior has not yet announced details regarding a successor, but the impact of his decades of service is widely acknowledged.
A Lifetime of Service in Saudi Security
Al-Qahtani’s career began after graduating from King Fahd Security College in 1970, where he was commissioned as a lieutenant. He quickly became involved in field operations and specialized training, laying the foundation for a distinguished career focused on enhancing security capabilities within the Kingdom. Throughout his early years, he completed numerous specialized training courses that shaped his professional and operational expertise.
Early Roles and Specialization
His initial assignments included positions at the General Directorate of Prisons and as an investigations instructor at the Criminal Evidence Institute. This early experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and the importance of rigorous investigative techniques. He later served as Director of the Office of the Assistant Director of Public Security for Criminal Security, further solidifying his expertise in law enforcement.
Al-Qahtani’s career trajectory demonstrated a consistent focus on criminal security, a key area of concern for Saudi Arabia. He progressively took on roles with increasing responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing security operations and improving readiness across various sectors. This dedication to public safety became a hallmark of his service.
Key Leadership Positions
Between 1990 and 1994, Al-Qahtani served as Director of Criminal Security in the Holy Sites, a particularly sensitive and demanding role. He subsequently held positions as Assistant Commander of the Hajj Security Forces for Criminal Security and Director of Makkah Police. These roles underscored his expertise in managing large-scale security operations, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
He later ascended to the position of Deputy Commander of the Hajj Security Force, followed by Director of Public Security. According to statements from the Ministry of Interior, his leadership was instrumental in enhancing security measures and ensuring the safety of pilgrims. His appointment as Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations in 2013 represented the pinnacle of his career, allowing him to influence national security strategy at the highest level.
Impact on Counterterrorism and Modernization
Throughout his career, Al-Qahtani played a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime. He was deeply involved in developing strategies to counter narcotics trafficking and enhance border security. The Ministry of Interior has consistently emphasized the importance of these efforts in maintaining regional stability.
However, his contributions extended beyond reactive measures. Al-Qahtani was also a proponent of proactive security initiatives, focusing on building human capital through training programs and developing specialized curricula for investigators. This emphasis on professional development aimed to create a more skilled and effective security force.
In recent years, Al-Qahtani spearheaded major development phases within public security, overseeing organizational restructuring and the integration of modern security technologies. This modernization effort aimed to enhance operational efficiency and improve the Kingdom’s ability to respond to evolving security threats. The implementation of these technologies is expected to continue under his successors.
The late Saeed bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani’s dedication to security and his six decades of service have left an indelible mark on the Ministry of Interior. His work on Hajj security, counterterrorism, and modernization initiatives will continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s approach to national safety.
The Ministry of Interior is expected to announce plans for filling the position of Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations in the coming weeks. The selection process will likely prioritize candidates with extensive experience in security operations and a demonstrated commitment to national security. The timing and specific details of the transition remain uncertain, but the Ministry has indicated a swift effort to ensure continuity of leadership.
