Gulf Air Defenses Intercept 3,133 Iranian Missiles and Drones

The extent of damage caused by a drone strike in the Seef district of Manama (AFP). 
The extent of damage caused by a drone strike in the Seef district of Manama (AFP). 
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Gulf Air Defenses Intercept 3,133 Iranian Missiles and Drones

The extent of damage caused by a drone strike in the Seef district of Manama (AFP). 
The extent of damage caused by a drone strike in the Seef district of Manama (AFP). 

Gulf air defense systems have intercepted more than 3,133 Iranian missiles and drones targeting civilian and critical infrastructure across the region as the war involving Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other entered its 12th day.

The conflict has shifted from a phase of temporary military escalation to one of attrition, according to regional assessments.

Compiled statistics show that Saudi Arabia’s Royal Air Defense Forces have intercepted 25 missiles and 151 drones since the outbreak of hostilities. In the United Arab Emirates, defenses intercepted 270 missiles and 1,475 drones. Kuwait reported intercepting 239 missiles and 456 drones, while Qatar said it neutralized 143 missiles and 78 drones. Bahrain reported intercepting 106 missiles and 177 drones, and the Sultanate of Oman said it downed 13 drones.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said air defenses intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, about 80 kilometers southeast of Riyadh, and another missile targeting the Eastern Province.

Air defenses also shot down eight drones in the Eastern Province, seven in the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah oil field, five east of Al-Kharj, and two in Hafar Al-Batin, according to the ministry.

Oman

A security source in Oman said several drones were intercepted while others struck fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah, with no casualties reported.

Another drone was intercepted and one fell into the sea north of Duqm, again without casualties or material damage.

Omani authorities condemned the attacks and said they are taking all necessary measures to safeguard national security.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals also confirmed that petroleum products remain available across the country and that oil supplies have not been disrupted.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of missile interceptions and fighter aircraft downing drones.

In Dubai, two drones crashed near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people of different nationalities, according to the Government Media Office. Two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national sustained minor injuries, while an Indian national suffered moderate injury. Air traffic continued normally.

In Abu Dhabi, authorities contained a fire at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport caused by debris from an intercepted projectile. No injuries were reported.

Bahrain

Authorities in Bahrain reported hearing four explosions in different parts of the country, prompting the activation of warning sirens. The Ministry of Interior urged residents to remain calm and move to safe locations.

The Civil Aviation Affairs authority said several aircraft were relocated from Bahrain International Airport to alternative airports.

Qatar

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said the armed forces repelled a missile attack, while the Ministry of Interior later confirmed that the security threat had subsided and that conditions had returned to normal.

Earlier, authorities had urged residents to remain indoors and avoid windows and open areas.

The Qatar Chamber said market supplies of goods remain stable and unaffected despite the current situation, after reviewing potential challenges related to supply chains, storage, and prices.

Kuwait

The Kuwaiti National Guard said it shot down eight drones in areas secured by its forces.

Brig. Gen. Jadaan Fadel, the guard’s official spokesperson, said the action was part of ongoing efforts to protect vital sites and counter potential threats.

Separately, Jazeera Airways announced flights from Al-Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, and India.

Maritime Incident off Ras Al Khaimah

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received a report of an incident 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

The captain of a container ship reported damage from what is believed to be an unknown projectile. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but all crew members were reported safe and an investigation is underway.

 

 

 



Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has provided 62 water projects and development initiatives across 14 Yemeni governorates to improve distribution, expand access to safe drinking water and strengthen water security in urban and rural areas.

Implemented through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the initiatives have helped secure sustainable freshwater supplies, improve the efficiency of water systems, reduce losses and strengthen local communities’ ability to manage their resources.

The projects have met 100% of water needs in the Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahra Governorate, 50% in Socotra Governorate and part of the demand in Aden Governorate, helping improve the continuity and reliability of water services.

The program combines infrastructure development with modern technology and environmental and operational sustainability. Its work includes building and upgrading water networks, connecting Yemeni communities to water sources and using renewable energy to power wells and pumps.

These measures have also improved production and distribution efficiency, reduced operating costs and extended water services to areas most in need.

Sustainable water resource management

The program has supported agriculture by introducing modern irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to improve water-use efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainable agricultural production and food security.

In Socotra, a project to establish an integrated water system for a sustainable freshwater supply illustrates this approach by diversifying water sources, upgrading supply networks and strengthening resource sustainability.

Efforts have also focused on empowering local communities and building technical and institutional capacity through training programs designed to develop the skills of workers and beneficiaries in water resource management, system operation and maintenance.

SDRPY has conducted awareness campaigns to encourage community participation and promote sustainable water consumption and management practices, helping maintain services and improve the long-term operational efficiency of the projects.

Strategic solutions

In January, SDRPY announced a project to establish Yemen’s first desalination plant of its kind in the Aden Governorate, using modern desalination technology to expand freshwater supplies and reduce the depletion of water resources.

The project is intended to strengthen water security and improve living conditions.

It also includes transferring Saudi expertise and training Yemeni personnel in saline water desalination to boost technical and operational capabilities and ensure the sustainability of services in the governorate.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s water sector forms part of a broader development effort implemented through SDRPY in coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities.

The program has undertaken 300 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates, covering eight sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programs, and capacity building and support for the Yemeni government.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen coordination among development initiatives and deliver lasting improvements in essential services and living conditions for Yemenis.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and key regional developments, including the escalating security situation in Yemen and ongoing threats to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers also discussed efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand

Prince Faisal also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. The two ministers condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and underscored the importance of joint efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas

The Saudi minister also met European Union foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas. The two sides underscored the importance of promoting security and stability in the region.


Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
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Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an agreement on Friday formalizing Washington’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh as an official participant.

The agreement establishes a framework for both countries to move forward with preparations for the event, underscoring the expo’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with participating nations.

The Saudi foreign minister also held talks with his US counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

The discussions covered the strategic partnership between the two countries, ways to expand cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, and regional developments. The ministers also exchanged views on efforts to address the challenges facing the region.