Internal Security Service

Internal Security Service (ISS; Arabic: جهاز الأمن الداخلي, transliterated: Jahaz al Amn al Dakhly) is the national security agency of the Sultanate of Oman.^[1] The agency focuses solely upon domestic security while foreign intelligence operations is specifically handled by the Palace Office, which controls external security and coordinates all intelligence and security policies.^[2]

The stated overall purpose of ISS is to investigates all matters related to internal security.^[3][4][5] The ISS also leads on Omani counter terrorism procedures and outreach activities.^[6]

The ISS can trace its history back to the intelligence and security structures set up using British military intelligence expertise as part of Sultan Said's armed forces in the 1950s.^[7] HM Sultan Qaboos developed the capability, and the Oman Intelligence Service became the Oman Research Department (ORD), with its main focus being supporting counter-insurgency operations in the Dhofar Region in the 1970s.^[8][9][10] The ORD was re-titled the ISS in 1987.^[10]

The ISS is known to have offices in Qurum (in the Capital area)^[11] and Salalah in Dhofar.^[12][13]

In 1994 and 2005 there were attempted coups against the Sultan's rule and the ISS would have been instrumental in uncovering and investigating the plots.^[14][15][16]

As of May 2013, Lieutenant General Said bin Ali bin Zahir al Hilali was appointed Head of the ISS^[17] – he had formerly been the assistant head of the agency. He was still in post as of November 2015.^[18] His former post was passed to Brigadier Ghosn bin Hilal bin Khalifa al Alawi (who was promoted to major general on assuming the post of Assistant Head ISS).^[19] Lieutenant General Said al Hilali's brother is the Sultanate's Public Prosecutor, who was reported in 2012 to be ready to use the law to restrict freedom of speech and association.^[20]

See also

• Qaboos bin Said al Said
• Dhofar Rebellion
• Dhofar Liberation Front
• Human rights in Oman
• Royal Oman Police

References