GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
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GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland region, calling it a dangerous violation of international law and a clear infringement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

He warned that such a move would undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and fuel tensions, contrary to regional and international efforts for peace, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Somalia’s security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, as stated in the final communiqué of the 164th GCC Ministerial Council.

He urged the international community to reject this action and refrain from recognizing any measures that threaten the unity of states or international legitimacy.

On Friday, Israel formally recognized the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" -- the first country to do so.



Kuwait Intercepts Iranian Missiles and Drones

TOPSHOT - This screen grab taken from UGC video footage posted on social media on July 18, 2026, shows a plume of black smoke and flames billowing over the town of Mangaf, south of Kuwait City. (Photo by various sources / AFP)
TOPSHOT - This screen grab taken from UGC video footage posted on social media on July 18, 2026, shows a plume of black smoke and flames billowing over the town of Mangaf, south of Kuwait City. (Photo by various sources / AFP)
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Kuwait Intercepts Iranian Missiles and Drones

TOPSHOT - This screen grab taken from UGC video footage posted on social media on July 18, 2026, shows a plume of black smoke and flames billowing over the town of Mangaf, south of Kuwait City. (Photo by various sources / AFP)
TOPSHOT - This screen grab taken from UGC video footage posted on social media on July 18, 2026, shows a plume of black smoke and flames billowing over the town of Mangaf, south of Kuwait City. (Photo by various sources / AFP)

Kuwait said Sunday that Iran was targeting it with missile and drone strikes.

The country’s army said in a statement that its air defenses had been activated “following the sinful Iranian aggression.” The attacks came after more than a week of Iran and the United States trading strikes.

Chief of the General Staff said in a statement that Kuwait's “air defenses were intercepting hostile missiles and drones following a criminal Iranian aggression."

It said explosions that could be heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting the incoming attacks.

Authorities voiced calls on all citizens and residents to follow the security instructions issued by the relevant authorities and monitor official guidance. They have not so far reported any casualties or damage resulting from the attacks.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Iran's Continued Aggression on Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Iran's Continued Aggression on Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Saturday Iran's continued aggression on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan reaffirming the Kingdom's full support for the brotherly countries in all measures they take in response to the flagrant Iranian attacks, which violate international law.

The Kingdom also reiterated its utter rejection of Iran's blatant attacks on infrastructure and civilian and vital facilities, including a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to all forms of military escalation, in a manner that preserves the security and stability of the region's countries and their peoples.


Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from Kuwaiti Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from Kuwaiti Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

During the call, the two ministers condemned the heinous Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait and several other countries in the region.

They also discussed the latest regional developments and the two countries' efforts to preserve regional security and stability.