Hamas: New naval coast guard unit formed


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Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST Aug. 11, 2007

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Hamas' Executive Force on Saturday announced the formation of its new coast guard unit - the Marine Police.

Saber Khalifeh, a spokesman for the Executive Force, said the new body will consist of 150 members and soon begin its operations off the coast of the Gaza Strip.

He said the new force's main functions will include preventing the smuggling of drugs into Gaza, protecting Gaza's fishermen and maintaining security for Gaza residents on the beach.

Comment: Note the size of their "Coast Guard" now-compare in one year. Security for Gaza beach residents, code for creating an international marine crisis-mark my words, less than 6 months time.