IMCTC Concludes National Security Program with Trainees from 10 Member Countries

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
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IMCTC Concludes National Security Program with Trainees from 10 Member Countries

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), at its headquarters in Riyadh, concluded the specialized training program titled “National Security,” which the coalition implemented over five days with the participation of 21 trainees from 10 member countries.

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states across various areas of counterterrorism, including ideology, communications, countering terrorism financing, and the military domain, according to SPA.

The closing ceremony highlighted the program’s key themes and outcomes, which focused on developing knowledge and applied skills related to the concept of national security, its characteristics, and the means of achieving it, as well as its positive impact on stability and development. The program also addressed the challenges facing national security and its connection to modern concepts such as cybersecurity and ideological security.

Adviser to IMCTC Maj. Gen. Majed bin Taleb presented certificates to the trainees, expressing his appreciation for the high level of performance they demonstrated and for their engagement throughout the program. He wished them success in applying the knowledge and skills they gained in the service of their countries and in boosting national security across the coalition’s member states.

The national security program is one of 46 training programs offered by the Kingdom in support of the coalition’s initiatives.

It aims to develop, qualify, and empower national talents and competencies in member countries, contributing to the achievement of shared goals and to the enhancement of regional and international security and stability.



New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
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New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)

A new humanitarian aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) crossed the Rafah border into Gaza on Friday with essential food baskets for Palestinians affected by the ongoing crisis, as part of the Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, has established several new camps in Al-Qarara area of southern Gaza and Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in preparation for winter.

Through these efforts, KSrelief aims to alleviate the severe suffering caused by the dire living conditions in Gaza, ensuring that vital food and shelter reach those in the most vulnerable areas.


Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
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Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.


Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Saturday the Kingdom’s deep regret over the damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling.

The ministry stressed the need to protect diplomatic missions and their personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means.