Report: Saudi Forces Ordered to Use Lethal Force to Clear Land for Neom, a Futuristic City

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have sparked controversy by reportedly allowing the use of lethal force to clear land for Neom, a $500 billion smart city project spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The BBC recently interviewed Colonel Rabih Alenezi, a former intelligence officer, who claimed he was instructed to evict villagers to make way for The Line, a key component of the Neom project. Shockingly, one person was allegedly shot and killed for protesting against the forced eviction.

Neom, part of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 plan, is envisioned as a cutting-edge city that will revolutionize urban living. The Line, a car-free city stretching 170 kilometers long and just 200 meters wide, is set to be a groundbreaking development. However, the project has faced criticism for its controversial methods of land acquisition.

According to official government data, over 6,000 individuals have been displaced to make room for Neom. Human rights group ALQST estimates that the actual number of displaced people is even higher. Satellite imagery obtained by the BBC revealed the demolition of three villages – al-Khuraybah, Sharma, and Gayal – inhabited by the Huwaitat tribe, labeled as “rebels” by the government.

The Wall Street Journal reported that MBS has ordered the construction of 10 palaces within Neom, each larger than a football field and potentially valued at up to $400 million. The project’s scale and cost have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the ethics of displacing communities and using lethal force to advance the futuristic megacity.

As the controversy surrounding Neom continues to unfold, the Saudi government and Neom management have remained tight-lipped, refusing to comment on the allegations of forced evictions and violence.