SAIQ Airstrip on the top of the Jebel Akhdar (height at Jebel Shams nearby is 2920 Metres) was approx 300 metres in length with a sheer drop at the east end. No road to Saiq existed in 1974 and movement was by air, or a Jebel climb of 3-4 hours was the alternative to get to the SAFTR training camp and field firing ranges.
Saiq village and the surrounding area were successfully taken SAS objectives during the Jebel Akhdar War in 1957-59.