Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s defenses intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles fired at the capital Riyadh.

Scattered debris fell across various areas of the capital, with initial assessments indicating no casualties or damage.

Earlier, Al-Malki said defenses downed two ballistic missiles launched toward the Eastern Region.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday the temporary truce agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the advent of Eid Al-Fitr.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom appreciates the willingness of both parties to respond to the calls made by the Kingdom, Qatar, and Türkiye to implement this truce.”

“It emphasizes that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the most effective means to resolve ongoing disputes,” it added.

“The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to continuing tireless diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region,” it said.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week.

Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the government agreed to a halt to its operations from Thursday to Monday "in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms".

Taliban government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said defending Afghanistan was "a national and religious obligation" and they would respond to any aggression or threat.

Tarar said: "In case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, (operations) shall immediately resume with renewed intensity."


Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
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Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that Friday was the first day of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The Saudi Supreme Court made the decision after observers failed to sight the Shawwal crescent that signifies the end of Ramadan.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also declared Friday the first day of Eid.


Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States
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Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi renewed his strong condemnation of the continued blatant and repeated Iranian attacks targeting several Arab countries.

In a statement on Wednesday, Al-Yamahi said that these attacks violate the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations and constitute a direct threat to regional and international peace and security. He noted that targeting residential areas, civilian facilities, and vital infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties, represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

He stressed that this aggression poses a direct threat to the pan-Arab national security, reiterating that the security of Arab states is indivisible and that any attack on one Arab country is an attack on the entire Arab nation.

He called on Iran to immediately cease all hostile actions and respect the sovereignty of Arab states and the principles of good neighborliness.

Al-Yamahi also praised the vigilance and efficiency of the armed forces in the Arab countries targeted by these attacks, commending their ability to confront them, protect their territories, and safeguard their capabilities.

The speaker reaffirmed the Arab Parliament's full support for the measures taken by these countries to preserve their security and sovereignty, in accordance with their legitimate right to self-defense.