| جهاز الأمن الداخلي | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Government of Oman and its national security (internal)  |
| Headquarters | Qurum, Muscat Governate, Sultanate of Oman |
| Agency executive |
|
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]
