Saudi Arabia Voices Concern over Developments in Red Sea, Urges De-Escalation

An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
TT

Saudi Arabia Voices Concern over Developments in Red Sea, Urges De-Escalation

An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS

Saudi Arabia said early Friday that it was following with “great concern” the military operations taking place in the Red Sea region and the airstrikes on several sites in Yemen.

“While the Kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region, in which freedom of navigation is an international demand [and of] interest of the entire world, [Saudi Arabia] calls for restraint and avoiding escalation in light of the events the region is witnessing,” a statement read.

Saudi Arabia underscored the imperative of upholding security and stability in the Red Sea, citing international laws that assure unrestricted passage, safety, and navigation for all nations and vessels.

The Kingdom aligns with a diplomatic resolution strategy, advocating for conflict containment and the creation of conducive conditions to foster global security and stability. This stance is consistent with its resolute position on crises and conflicts within the region and across the globe.

Saudi Arabia warned that any military escalation in the region could exacerbate the situation and intensify crises.

The Kingdom urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and collaborate in finding solutions to de-escalate tension.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Designation of 3 Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist 

This 2011 photo shows a Muslim Brotherhood office in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
This 2011 photo shows a Muslim Brotherhood office in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Designation of 3 Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist 

This 2011 photo shows a Muslim Brotherhood office in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
This 2011 photo shows a Muslim Brotherhood office in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Wednesday the United States' designation of the Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations.

The ministry stressed the Kingdom’s condemnation of extremism and terrorism, its support for all that achieves security, stability, and prosperity of Arab countries, and the security of the region and the world.


Islamic Military Coalition Launches ‘Competence’ Military Strategic Initiative in Sierra Leone

Officials are seen at Tuesday's launch. (SPA)
Officials are seen at Tuesday's launch. (SPA)
TT

Islamic Military Coalition Launches ‘Competence’ Military Strategic Initiative in Sierra Leone

Officials are seen at Tuesday's launch. (SPA)
Officials are seen at Tuesday's launch. (SPA)

The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched on Tuesday the “Competence” military strategic training for counter-terrorism in Sierra Leone.

The launch was attended by Sierra Leonean Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor, IMCTC Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, senior military and security officials, civil representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Republic of Sierra Leone.

The initiative runs from January 13 to February 3, targeting the training and capacity building of 30 military and security personnel through an intensive 15-day program focused on counter-terrorism, including handling explosives, improvised devices, and unexploded ordnance, while enhancing the operational readiness of specialized forces.

The training aims to develop the skills and capabilities of personnel in counter-terrorism units and facilitate the transfer of advanced professional knowledge and expertise among member states, enabling them to address complex terrorist threats with high-level scientific and professional methods.


Saudi Govt Rejects Any Attempts to Undermine Somalia’s Sovereignty

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Govt Rejects Any Attempts to Undermine Somalia’s Sovereignty

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s rejection of any attempts “to create parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity, territorial integrity, or national sovereignty.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's extraordinary meeting on Somalia in Jeddah that stressed the Kingdom’s stance on Somalia.

The Cabinet reviewed recent high-level discussions between the Kingdom and various countries, focusing on regional developments, ongoing efforts to anchor security and peace, and the Kingdom's commitment to multilateral initiatives that drive global stability and foster collective responses to shared challenges.

The Cabinet reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause, stressing the Kingdom's unwavering support for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. These efforts aim to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet commended the successful conclusion of the Gulf Shield 2026 joint military exercise, hosted by Saudi Arabia. Featuring the air and air defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the GCC Unified Military Command, the exercise underscored the commitment to boosting regional defense cooperation and strengthening collective military readiness.

The Cabinet reviewed several high-profile economic events hosted by the Kingdom, specifically highlighting the Saudi-Japan Ministerial Investment Forum and the Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum. The summits resulted in numerous memoranda of understanding across strategic sectors, including space, cybersecurity, ICT, manufacturing, education, finance, water, and agriculture.