Arab coalition intercepts 2 ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia

Spokesman of Arab coalition Col. Turki Al-Maliki gestures during a press conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (File/AFP)
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Updated 31 August 2021
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Arab coalition intercepts 2 ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia

  • The GCC and OIC strongly condemned the Houthis’ attempt to target populated areas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian air defenses have intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia in Yemen toward the Kingdom’s southern region, the Arab coalition said on Monday. 
One missile was targeting the city of Najran on Monday evening, while the second one was targeting Jazan earlier in the day.
The coalition praised the efficiency of the Saudi air defenses in thwarting the militias’ reckless attempts to target civilian objects in the kingdom. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the Houthis’ attempt to target populated areas and said the continuation of these “terrorist attacks” reflects their blatant defiance of the international community, their disregard for all international laws and norms, and their rejection of all efforts aimed at bringing peace to Yemen.

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GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajjraf called on the international community to assume its responsibilities and take a decisive stance toward the Iran-backed group to stop these repeated acts targeting vital and civilian installations.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also strongly denounced the attack and reiterated its support for all measures taken by the coalition forces to deal with the Houthis’ threats and protect civilians and civilian objects.
Bahrain also condemned the attack and said it supports all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security.
On Sunday, the Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed three Houthi drones that were targeting the southern city of Khamis Mushait.
The Arab Interior Ministers Council condemned the attack on Khamis Mushait in a statement on Monday.


49th Saudi relief plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt

The 49th Saudi relief plane carrying food baskets for Gazans arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 5 sec ago
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49th Saudi relief plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt

  • The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them

RIYADH: The 49th Saudi relief plane carrying food baskets for Gazans arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Tuesday.

The plane was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them.

The war in the Strip has pushed much of Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, the UN says, and has devastated its medical facilities, where hospitals, if working at all, are running short of fuel to power generators and other essential supplies.


Riyadh forum to combat financial crime and corruption

Updated 5 min 36 sec ago
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Riyadh forum to combat financial crime and corruption

  • Brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing
  • Two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively,

RIYADH: The inaugural Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units begins Wednesday in Riyadh, hosted by the Presidency of State Security.

It brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing through enhanced cooperation and capabilities.

The two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively, according to the forum’s website.

Recognizing the need for a multi-faceted approach, the forum focuses on cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines to combat corruption.

Through international collaboration, elevating local institutional integrity, and engaging citizens, the forum aims to tackle corruption and financial crime challenges effectively.

Leveraging private sector efforts, deploying technology for transparency, and addressing root causes of corruption are also part of the agenda.

The event will feature 75 speakers from 25 countries, including Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, head of Qatar Financial Information Unit; Samya Abou Sharif, director of the Jordanian Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit; Dr. Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; and Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute.

By uniting government agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the forum harnesses collective wisdom and expertise against financial crime.

The forum also facilitates networking, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, fostering partnerships and concrete initiatives for progress in anti-corruption efforts.


Saudi FM meets with Kuwaiti counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya in Manama on Tuesday.
Updated 48 min 15 sec ago
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Saudi FM meets with Kuwaiti counterpart

  • The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting for Arab League foreign ministers in Manama, Bahrain. 

The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest.


Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.

The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.

Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.

The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.

Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.

The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.


Saudi FM calls for resumption of Sudan talks

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi FM calls for resumption of Sudan talks

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in tensions between warring factions in Sudan.

He made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

The foreign minister urged the two sides, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s call for a return to dialogue.

He also called for an end to further civilian suffering and the country’s devastating humanitarian situation.

Saudi Arabia, alongside the US, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two Sudanese sides to end the war.

On the subject of the war in Gaza, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia has warned of dangerous repercussions of Israel’s widening of its scope of operations in its campaign against Hamas.

He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls for the international community to intervene immediately to stop the war.

Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in the country, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the warring parties, which will start the process of economic development and recovery.