Drug Trafficking Networks Busted in Riyadh, Hail

The Saudi Interior Ministry stressed the vigilance of security forces in confronting criminal schemes (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry stressed the vigilance of security forces in confronting criminal schemes (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Drug Trafficking Networks Busted in Riyadh, Hail

The Saudi Interior Ministry stressed the vigilance of security forces in confronting criminal schemes (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry stressed the vigilance of security forces in confronting criminal schemes (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi security forces have dismantled criminal networks operating in the Riyadh and Hail regions that were trafficking in amphetamine, methamphetamine (known locally as shabu), and medically regulated pills, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The networks were uncovered based on intelligence gathered by relevant authorities within the ministry, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. A total of 37 individuals were arrested, including 28 Saudi nationals—among them one employee from the Interior Ministry, two from the National Guard, two from the Ministry of Defense, and one from the Ministry of Health.

Also detained were two Ethiopian nationals accused of violating border security laws, five Syrian expatriates, and two Yemenis—one a resident and the other a visitor.

Authorities said all legal procedures had been completed, and the suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.

The Interior Ministry said the announcement underscored the vigilance of Saudi security forces in confronting criminal plots aimed at targeting the kingdom and its youth with narcotics.

It added that authorities would continue to thwart such schemes and take firm action against anyone involved, regardless of their status, to safeguard the security of Saudi Arabia, its citizens, and residents.



Saudi Arabia Launches $1.9 Bln Development Projects in Yemen

A photo posted by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman of his meeting with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi.
A photo posted by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman of his meeting with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi.
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Saudi Arabia Launches $1.9 Bln Development Projects in Yemen

A photo posted by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman of his meeting with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi.
A photo posted by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman of his meeting with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi.

Saudi Arabia unveiled a comprehensive package of development projects across Yemen on Wednesday, announcing 28 projects and initiatives worth 1.9 billion riyals aimed at supporting stability and economic recovery nationwide.

The projects extend Saudi support for Yemen under directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with follow-up by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

In a post on the X platform, Prince Khalid stated that the support delivered through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY) reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security and stability and contributing to a better future for Yemen and its people.

Prince Khalid met on Wednesday with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, members of the council, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of State and Governor of Aden, for talks on fraternal ties between their countries.

The meeting discussed developments in Yemen and efforts aimed at ending the crisis through a comprehensive political settlement to achieve security and stability. It underscored the importance of continuing work on the future of the southern issue through the upcoming Riyadh conference to reach an inclusive vision for fair solutions.

Al-Alimi described the meeting with Prince Khalid as productive, saying it addressed national developments and Saudi Arabia’s promising support within a strategic partnership that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people to restore state institutions, security, stability, and peace.

In a post on X, al-Alimi stated that the development projects represent a cornerstone for recovery and reconstruction, and a prelude to broader programs aimed at improving services and livelihoods, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to supporting the Yemeni state at all levels.

He expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s leadership for its steadfast positions alongside the Yemeni people and their political leadership at all stages.

The new package includes petroleum derivatives to operate power plants across Yemen, which is expected to improve the reliability of electricity supply to hospitals, medical centers, roads, schools, airports, ports, and other facilities, as well as support industrial activity and boost trade.

The SDRPY will begin operating the King Salman Medical and Educational City in Al-Mahra after completion of all construction works and full equipment installation, strengthening Yemen’s health sector.

The interim capital Aden will also receive development projects and initiatives, including the continued operation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital for the next three years.

The program will establish Yemen’s first desalination plant to help achieve water security and improve access to fresh water.

It will launch the second and third phases of the Aden airport rehabilitation project, including the rebuilding of the runway and the provision of navigation and communications systems, to enhance passenger services, enable international and domestic airlines to operate flights, and support economic and commercial activity.

Among the key projects is the completion of the final section of the expansion and rehabilitation of the Al Abr road, covering the Ghuwayrban to Al Makhtham stretch, following the completion of the first and second phases, totaling 90 km in Marib.

Work will also begin to rehabilitate the Al Abr to Seiyun road in Hadhramaut to boost safe mobility and support trade and economic activity.

The package also includes boosting electricity capacity through the construction of a 30 megawatt power plant in Taiz, supporting service continuity, operating Al-Mokha Hospital to ensure the continued delivery of medical services, and a project to build, expand, and upgrade the coastal road and its related intersections to promote economic and social development.


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)
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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)
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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.