Firqa (military)

A Firqa (Arabic: فِرْقَة English: band) sometimes called Firqat colloquially in the plural), is a local militia unit loyal to the Sultan of Oman raised in the Dhofar region of Oman during the Dhofar War.

[1] The British were known for utilising Firqa during their counter insurgency operations in support of the Sultan's operations in the region, converting former enemies into pro-government militia to aid in counter-insurgency;[2] this was a tactic the British had successfully employed in Malaya.

[3] Forming local Firqa was therefore great way to employ surrendered enemy personnel (SEPs) and thus pacify areas of the Dhofari Jebel and set the conditions for infrastructure development.

[4] During the insurgency in Dhofar Firqa forces proved invaluable as both a tactical and psychological weapon; although their use beyond Jebali tribal areas was problematic.

This payment was both to maintain a pro-government paramilitary force, as well as to enable nomadic Omanis to continue living in their traditional areas.