RIYADH: The Arab coalition said it destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia toward the Kingdom, Saudi state TV reported on Friday.
The coalition said that the Houthis continue to target the Kingdom with ballistic missiles and armed drones, which are in strict violation of international law.
Meanwhile, the joint forces on Yemen’s western coast said that they had detected eight reconnaissance aircraft launched by the Houthi militia over four separate areas in Hodeidah governorate, as part of its repeated violations of a United Nations truce.
A military source said three aircraft were spotted in the sky above Hays District, two planes over At Tuhayta District, and three aircraft in the Al-Jabaliya and Al-Faza areas in At Tuhayta.
On Thursday, joint forces also detected 94 Houthi violations of the UN armistice on Hodeidah within 12 hours, and five reconnaissance planes flew over At Tuhayta, south of Hodeidah.
The Houthi militia has recently intensified the use of explosive and reconnaissance drones, which a UN committee of experts said earlier was assembled from external components and shipped to Yemen.
The report of the UN experts charged with monitoring the arms embargo imposed on Yemen since 2015 said that the Houthi militia acquired new weapons in 2019, some of which have characteristics similar to those produced in Iran.
The report, which was sent to the Security Council, said that “in addition to the known weapons systems they had so far, (the Houthis) are now using a new type of Delta drones and a new model of land cruise missiles.”
Arab coalition destroys drone launched by Yemen’s Houthis towards Saudi Arabia
https://arab.news/gsj64
Arab coalition destroys drone launched by Yemen’s Houthis towards Saudi Arabia
- Joint forces also detected 8 reconnaissance aircraft launched by the Houthis in Hodeidah
Heroic effort by security personnel at the Grand Mosque saves man’s life
- Saudi interior minister thanks and praises security guard for his actions
- Suicide attempt at the Grand Mosque in Makkah foiled after guard intervenes to prevent fatal fall
RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of the Interior, on Friday reached out to the security guard injured at the Grand Mosque in Makkah while saving a man trying to commit suicide, and praised his bravery.
The heroic effort by the security guard on duty at the Masjid Al Haram saved the life of a man who attempted suicide by jumping from the top floor of the Grand Mosque.
A swift intervention by the security guard averted the fatal fall, the Saudi authorities said on Thursday.
In a post on X, the official account of the Emarah, Makkah Region, said: “The special force for the security of the Grand Mosque has promptly initiated proceedings in a case where a person jumped from an upper level of the Grand Mosque, and a security man was injured while attempting to prevent him from hitting the ground at the time of his fall.”
The interior minister personally contacted soldier Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad to inquire about his recovery after he suffered injuries in the line of duty at the Grand Mosque.
Al-Ahmad sustained multiple injuries while trying to break the man’s fall and prevent him hitting the ground. Medical teams quickly reached the site and after preliminary check-ups rushed both men to hospital for treatment.
The minister commended Al-Ahmad’s bravery, commitment, and heightened awareness during the incident, qualities that demonstrate his dedication to his security mission.
The interior minister told the officer that his response exemplifies the high principles security forces uphold while serving the religion and the country.
The minister characterized the intervention as “far more than routine duty” — describing it as a selfless humanitarian act embodying supreme sacrifice and reflecting the exceptional preparedness and professional capability required to manage critical situations at Islam’s holiest site.
The minister highlighted the unwavering support and care security personnel receive from the Saudi leadership in appreciation of their contributions and sacrifices in safeguarding the Grand Mosque and the pilgrims.
This backing, he noted, provides essential encouragement for maintaining distinguished performance in security operations.
Prince Abdulaziz concluded the call by praying for the officer’s swift recovery and safe return to duty.
As social media filled with the heroic story, Saeed Al-Qahtani, a social media user, praised the life-saving attempt saying: “Is it a military vigilance or a human spirit inhabiting that uniform? Between one heartbeat and the next, and in the heart of reassurance, the security man rescues a desperate soul; transforming the disaster into a heroic rescue story and a smart reading of the features of breakdown before it’s too late. You are not a guardian of a place, you are a guardian of lives.”
