Bahrain: Terrorist Group Affiliated with ‘Saraya al-Mukhtar’ Referred to Judiciary

A general view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
A general view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
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Bahrain: Terrorist Group Affiliated with ‘Saraya al-Mukhtar’ Referred to Judiciary

A general view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
A general view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)

Bahrain’s Terror Crime Prosecution referred on Tuesday 18 suspects to the judiciary after they were charged with forming, joining and financing a terrorist group, possessing explosives, weapons and ammunition, murdering a police officer and assisting terror convicts in escaping from prison.

The group is affiliated with "Saraya Al Mukhtar", an organization listed as terrorist by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain in June 2017.

Terror Crime Chief Prosecutor Ahmed al-Hammadi indicated that the suspects, including seven who are in custody, have been referred to the High Criminal Court for a hearing on April 23.

Hammadi indicated that 11 members of the cells are still at large inside and outside of Bahrain.

Members of the organization are also accused of transferring weapons, explosive devices and collecting funds for distribution to other members of the terrorist group. They also planned the escape of convicts from the Salmaniya Medical Complex out of Bahrain.

The suspects also monitored the movement of security forces to target them in attacks.

The Prosecution relied in its investigation on witness accounts, technical and forensic evidence and the confession of some of the accused.

The terrorist cell was also divided into several groups that operate separately. Each group was assigned a particular duty, such as developing explosive devices or planting bombs to target police. A third group was tasked with distributing arms, explosive charges and money to fellow members.



Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed its unwavering commitment to support global humanitarian issues and its contributions to alleviating the suffering of those affected by wars and disasters.

In a statement delivered at the UN Economic and Social Council, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, indicated that Saudi Arabia, despite global economic challenges, continues its generous approach as one of the largest donor countries in the humanitarian and development fields.

The ambassador explained that humanitarian crises have become exacerbated by the increase in armed conflicts and the decline in adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that addressing the root causes of crises is crucial to alleviating human suffering.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the global initiative launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to reaffirm commitment to international humanitarian law, along with its hosting of multiple peace talks between conflicting parties, reflects its strong belief in the importance of dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, bin Khothaila explained that Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the serious violations and war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Palestinian people. He emphasized that preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip and using it as a tool of war constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

The ambassador noted that a peace conference, co-chaired with the French Republic, had been scheduled for June 2025 as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts within the Global Coalition to advance the two-state solution. However, recent regional developments have led to its postponement.

He emphasized the importance of integrating relief and development in addressing crises, pointing to Saudi Arabia's integrated model through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).