Mohammed bin Salman's ambition build 'Neom' environmentally friendly city project
Saudi Arabian troops 'ordered to kill' for Mohammed bin Salman's ambition to build 170km 'Neom' eco-city project
Saudi Arabian authorities have authorized the use of lethal force to clear land for a futuristic desert city being built by dozens of Western companies, a former intelligence officer told the BBC.
Colonel Rabih Alenezi said he was ordered to evict ethnic villagers in the Gulf state, to make way for "The Line" – part of the Neom eco-city mega project.
One of the local residents was shot and died while protesting the eviction.
The Saudi Arabian government and Neom management declined to comment. Neom, Saudi Arabia's environmentally friendly area worth US$500 billion (Rp. 8 quadrillion), is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil. Its flagship project, The Line, has been touted as a car-free city, just 200 meters (656 feet) wide and 170km (106 miles) long – the target of the project is reportedly to complete the first 2.4 km or so, by 2030.
Dozens of global companies – some from the UK – are involved in building Neom. The area where Neom will stand has been described as a perfect "blank canvas" by Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
However, according to the Saudi Arabian government, more than 6,000 people have been displaced for the project – and UK-based human rights group ALQST estimates the figure is higher.
The BBC has analyzed satellite images of three destroyed villages – al-Khuraybah, Sharma and Gayal. Homes, schools and hospitals have been wiped off the map.
The Saudi leader, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, has the ambition to build an environmentally friendly city 500 meters high, 200 meters wide and 170 km long, which he calls 'The Line'. This Neom mega-project will be built in the heart of Saudi Arabia. (PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK)
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman, is said to have ambitions for The Line lighthouse project. (PHOTO: GETTY)
In BBC analysis, the Neom mega project will impact three villages.
Location of the Saudi Arabian lighthouse project.