US condemns latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for Iran-backed group to return to negotiations

Short Url
Updated 27 July 2021
Follow

US condemns latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for Iran-backed group to return to negotiations

  • ‘We condemn the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia following the calm over Eid Al-Adha’
  • ‘Time to return to negotiations and end the conflict’

DUBAI: The US has condemned the latest Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia as the Iran-backed group targeting the Kingdom’s southern region with a ballistic missile and three explosive-laden drones.

The US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs also called for the Houthis to cease its military actions and commit to a ceasefire that would end the conflict in Yemen.

“We condemn the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia following the calm over Eid Al-Adha. The Houthis must stop their destabilizing actions and commit to an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire to help end the Yemen war. Time to return to negotiations and end the conflict,” the US government agency posted on Twitter.

Tim Lenderking, the US special envoy for Yemen, earlier emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict in the war-torn country.

“The US is in this effort to help Yemen truly turn the corner toward peace and security. A ceasefire is only one step. We must continue to build from there,” the envoy said during one of the forums on Middle Eastern security.

Yemeni government troops and allied tribesmen, backed by Arab coalition jets, on Sunday repelled the “biggest and most fierce” Houthi assault of Marib since February.

More than 200 Houthi militants were killed in clashes during recent days or in Arab coalition strikes during recent days, a Yemeni army commander said.


Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

Updated 59 min 18 sec ago
Follow

Digital Umrah guide enhances pilgrim experience

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the “Umrah and Ziyarah Guide” in 16 languages to provide pilgrims with guidance and regulatory information in their native languages.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and help pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The guide serves as an interactive reference covering all stages of the Umrah and visitation journey — from pre-travel preparations and visa procedures to performing rituals, navigating the Two Holy Mosques, and completing departure formalities.

Organized chronologically, it allows pilgrims to quickly access stage-specific information and is enhanced with visuals and digital links to maps, instructional videos, and supporting services.

Topics include ihram, tawaf, and sa’i, etiquette within the Two Holy Mosques, and key services at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, along with organizational and behavioral guidelines to ensure smooth operations.

The ministry said the guide’s launch is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, strengthen procedural awareness, and support digital transformation, ultimately improving service quality and facilitating the journey. It is available at haj.gov.sa/Guides.