Saudi Authorities Permit Lethal Force for Neom Project, Ex-Intelligence Officer Reveals

By Admin

A former intelligence officer has disclosed that Saudi authorities have sanctioned the use of lethal force to facilitate the construction of the Neom eco-city project.

Col Rabih Alenezi, now in exile in the UK, disclosed to the media that he was instructed to forcibly evict villagers from the Huwaitat tribe to make way for The Line, a key component of the $500 billion Neom initiative.

Tragically, one of the villagers, Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, was shot and killed by Saudi authorities for protesting against the eviction. Despite international outcry, Saudi government officials and Neom management have remained silent on the matter.

The Neom project, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency.

However, the project’s implementation has raised serious concerns. Satellite images analyzed by the BBC reveal the demolition of entire villages, including homes, schools, and hospitals, to clear the designated area for Neom’s development.

More than 6,000 people have been displaced, according to government figures, though human rights groups estimate the number to be higher.

Col Alenezi disclosed that the eviction orders included authorization for the use of lethal force against those who resisted. Despite dodging the mission himself, he witnessed the tragic outcome of such directives, including the death of al-Huwaiti.

Furthermore, at least 47 other villagers were detained for resisting eviction, with many facing terror-related charges. Shockingly, some were arrested merely for mourning al-Huwaiti’s death on social media.

International condemnation has mounted against Saudi Arabia for its handling of the Neom project. Critics argue that the displacement of indigenous communities and the use of lethal force to silence dissent are clear violations of human rights.

While Saudi authorities claim to offer compensation to those displaced, reports suggest that the amounts paid out are significantly lower than promised. This has fueled further resentment among affected communities.

In light of these revelations, calls for accountability and transparency in the Neom project have grown louder.