https://arab.news/mfy6j
RIYADH: The first group of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom from the UAE for this year’s Hajj was received at Al-Batha Passport Office on Wednesday.
The General Directorate of Passports said it is harnessing all its capabilities to facilitate entry procedures for pilgrims by supporting all entry points with the latest technical devices operated by qualified staff.
A total of 532,958 pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj as of Sunday, the directorate has reported.
RIYADH: A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Iran’s attack on the United States Embassy building in Riyadh after preliminary assessments indicated two drones targeted the facility.
The Saudi Defense Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. The incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the embassy, with no reported injuries.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to take all measures to defend itself and its interests, including the right to respond.
Reports from early Tuesday described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located.
The US Embassy issued a security alert for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, announcing it would remain closed and that all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments were cancelled. The shelter-in-place notice remains active, and American citizens were advised to avoid embassy premises until further notice.
The embassy also urged travelers to review the most recent Security Alerts, reconsider travel plans in case of possible disruptions, and prioritize their safety and that of their families.
