Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack
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Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) announced Friday the death of a fourth serviceman who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a Houthi drone attack against forces stationed at Saudi Arabia's southern border.

In an official statement, the BDF identified the serviceman as First-Lieutenant Hamad Khalifa al-Kubaisi, who succumbed to the injuries while performing his sacred patriotic duties defending the southern borders of Saudi Arabia.

Kubaisi was a member of the BDF task force participating in the Arab Coalitions to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, actively participating in Operation Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope.

BDF General Command extended sincere condolences to the family of the fallen serviceman and wished a speedy recovery for those wounded due to the act of aggression.

Earlier, the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning the attack, saying it constituted "a serious threat to the peace process and regional stability, including in Yemen."

The Council on the Houthis to end all attacks, reiterating concern at targeting civilian infrastructure in cities at the southern border of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement from Riyadh, the Coalition mourned those killed and claimed there had been attacks targeting an electrical distribution site and a police station on its southern border by "some Houthi elements."

Coalition spokesman Brig-Gen Turki al-Maliki said the leadership of the joint forces mourns the "heroic martyrs loyal to their religion and nation."

The leadership of the joint forces of the Coalition condemned the treacherous attack near the Saudi-Yemen border by some Houthi elements, Malki said.

He warned that last month's hostilities, including an attack on an electrical power distribution station and a police station in the border region, were "unacceptable" and "provocative."

"In line with the positive efforts being made to seek to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution, the leadership of the joint forces of the coalition affirms its rejection of repeated provocations and reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place," Maliki said in a statement.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.