Saudi Arabia Intercepts, Downs Drones, Missiles Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Intercepts, Downs Drones, Missiles Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Eastern Region.

Defenses also downed a ballistic missile that was launched toward the al-Kharj Governorate. Shrapnel from the missile fell in the vicinity of the Prince Sultan Air Base; no damage was reported.

On Tuesday, the Kingdom intercepted and downed 14 drones in the Eastern Region and a ballistic missile in al-Kharj, said Al-Malki.



GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

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

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised on Tuesday security authorities in Kuwait on their arrest of a “terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah.”

In a statement, he condemned its plans to target Kuwait’s security and stability.

“This security achievement reflects the high level of vigilance and efficiency of Kuwaiti authorities and their ability to deal decisively and proactively with terrorist threats” to protect lives and maintain security, he added.

He stressed the GCC’s “firm and unwavering rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, underscoring the full support of the GCC member states for all measures taken by Kuwait to maintain its security and stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and confront anyone who may seek to undermine its security or threaten the safety of its citizens and residents.”

“GCC member states will remain united in confronting terrorism, continuing to strengthen the collective security system and consolidate stability in the region, in a manner that serves the interests of their peoples and preserves their achievements,” he added.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry had on Monday announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaiti and Lebanese people for belonging to a Hezbollah terrorist cell that was plotting to destabilize the country and recruit new members.

A ministry spokesman said they plotted to undermine state sovereignty and stir instability in order to stoke chaos and harm public order.

They were arrested in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as weapons used for assassinations. They also possessed drones, drugs, maps, money and arms used for training.

The detainees were referred to the Public Prosecution.


Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
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Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Jordan's King Abdullah II condemned on Tuesday Iran’s attacks in the region, urging an immediate cessation of all military actions.

Sheikh Tamim welcomed the monarch in Doha for talks on regional developments and Iran’s blatant attacks against Qatar, Jordan and other countries in the region, reported Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Sheikh Tamim stressed Qatar’s solidarity with Jordan, saying it supports all measures it takes to defend its sovereignty and security and to ensure the safety of its citizens. For his part, King Abdullah reiterated his country's solidarity and full support for all measures taken by Qatar to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They underscored the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate and contain the ongoing tensions, and to work through diplomatic channels and dialogue to address crises in a way that helps prevent further deterioration in the region and boosts prospects for security and stability.

They discussed a host of regional and international issues of mutual concern, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between their two countries, especially in light of current developments and their implications for the region's security and stability.


Saudi, Algerian FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
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Saudi, Algerian FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Tuesday a telephone call from his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf.

They discussed the latest regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address them.