National Guard (Bahrain)

The National Guard of Bahrain (الحرس الوطني) is a separate military force in Bahrain that serves both as defence force against external threats and as a security force 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 Major-General Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, brother of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. It consists of about 2,000 personnel.

The National Guard has been involved in the Bahrain government's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters during the Bahraini uprising.

The National Guard consists of many non-Bahraini personnel, and during the Bahraini uprising recruited heavily from Pakistan through the Fauji Foundation.