MAKKAH: Security forces on Friday succeeded in thwarting an imminent terrorist act targeting the security of the Grand Mosque and worshippers by a group stationed in three locations, said the Interior Ministry.
The security spokesman explained that one of the sites was in the province of Jeddah, and the two others were in Makkah.
The first was in the neighborhood of Asilah, and the second in Ajyad Al-Masafi, located within the perimeter of the central area of the Grand Mosque, the spokesman said.
One site was a three-story house that contained the suicide bomber in charge of implementation. When the security men began to surround him, he fired at them, which required a response to him in order to neutralize his danger after refusing to respond to their calls to surrender.
He continued to shoot heavily before exploding himself, resulting in his death, the collapse of the building that he was in and the wounding of six expatriates who were taken to hospital, in addition to the injury of five security personnel with minor injuries.
The security spokesman said the security operation resulted in the arrest of five elements of the cell, including a woman, after raiding their positions.
The security authorities are still conducting their investigations, lifting the remaining evidence at the site of the explosion and verifying the identity of the suicide bomber.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that this terrorist network intended to violate the security of the Grand Mosque, the holiest place on Earth.
Security authorities confirmed to Arab News that the attacker blew himself up when surrounded by security men. The incident resulted in minor injuries to security men.
Sources also confirmed that before the incident, security men, on Friday morning, had arrested a wanted criminal at a house in Al-Asilah neighborhood in east Makkah. The criminal led authorities to the location of the terrorist in Ajyad Al-Masafi neighborhood, behind Al-Safwa Hotel.
In Jeddah, a terrorist was arrested by general intelligence after Special Emergency Forces had prepared to pursue him and approach him. However, he left his home, according to special security forces, and was followed by general intelligence men and arrested at a gas station in south Jeddah. His home was searched, where firearms and live ammunition was found.
Terror plot aimed at Makkah's Grand Mosque foiled
Terror plot aimed at Makkah's Grand Mosque foiled
Al Akaria signs SR1.2bn agreement lease with Amsa Hospitality
- Project, located in Riyadh Diplomatic Quarters, spans approximately 40,000 sq. meters and includes 240 modern residential units, comprising 176 apartments and 64 villas and townhouses
- CEO of Amsa Hospitality Muin Serhan: We have a certain commitment to deliver to the community and to the project in particular
RIYADH: The Saudi Real Estate Co., also known as Al Akaria, recently announced the signing of a lease agreement for the Amsa Vue Residential Compound in Riyadh with Amsa Hospitality, with the total value of the project estimated at around SR1.2 billion ($320 million).
Spread across 20 years, the cost reflects the long-term nature of the investment and its focus on value, sustainability, and operational quality.
The project, located in Riyadh Diplomatic Quarters, spans approximately 40,000 sq. meters and includes 240 modern residential units, comprising 176 apartments and 64 villas and townhouses.
Acting CEO of Al Akaria Khalid Al-Sehaibany stated that the project embodies the company’s approach to developing residential communities that focus on an integrated experience built on quality planning and comprehensive facilities, elevating the standard of living in Riyadh.
CEO of Amsa Hospitality Muin Serhan told Arab News that the core philosophy behind the project is to create a space that focuses both on individuals and community values.
Serhan pointed out that this strategy is central to a broader ambition to redefine hospitality in Saudi Arabia by embedding the hallmark of Arabian hospitality into the brand’s identity.
“We have a certain commitment to deliver to the community and to the project in particular. Year on year, we're adding value to the landlord and the owners of the assets,” he said.
He outlined a clear vision for the company’s legacy, aiming to set a new standard for hospitality management in the region. The goal, he said, is to be the go-to partner for developers and asset owners seeking to integrate hospitality elements into their projects.
Serhan confirmed that this vision is currently being brought to life through close collaboration with contractors and designers.
He emphasized that the process is a “moving journey,” where the designer, the brand, and the location converge to create a product that truly reflects the local narrative.
