UN Says Saudi Support Assisted Establishing 38 Counterterrorism Projects Worldwide

Attendees at Naif arab university for security sciences via AAWSAT AR website
Attendees at Naif arab university for security sciences via AAWSAT AR website
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UN Says Saudi Support Assisted Establishing 38 Counterterrorism Projects Worldwide

Attendees at Naif arab university for security sciences via AAWSAT AR website
Attendees at Naif arab university for security sciences via AAWSAT AR website

A United Nations official reaffirmed that the Saudi support has helped establish some 38 counter terrorism initiatives worldwide.

“Thanks to Saudi support under the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we are currently conducting 38 anti-terrorism projects around the world, in addition to human rights services, such as supporting victims of terrorism, combating atomic and biological weapons, and providing cybersecurity,” Under-Secretary-General of the newly created UN Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov said.

Voronkov, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, noted that generous Saudi support has enabled the UN Counter-Terrorism Office to play a number of important and vital roles such as assisting a number of countries around the world in the fight against terrorism, supporting families of victims of terrorism and combating atomic and biological weapons.

The Under-Secretary-General said that he is talking at a time “terrorist attacks are still ravaging a number of locations in the world.”

With 105 countries have been subjected to terrorist attacks, terrorism remains a major threat to international security and peace, and impedes the development of nations and economies.

At that, Vornokov said “the international community must work to address the serious problems of terrorism.”

“We know that Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world have suffered and been affected by terrorism, and everyone must join forces to repel the ongoing advance of terrorism, especially that terrorist groups are evolving with technology and the flow of information,” Vornokov noted.

Voronkov also pointed out that “ISIS remains as one of the largest sources of terrorism despite the defeat it suffered alongside al-Qaeda in Syria, Yemen and Africa.”

The Russian official emphasized that the far right has become a source for terrorism as well, pointing out that everyone agrees that concerted efforts must be spent to fight terrorism.



Kuwait Foils Biggest Drug Operation in Its History

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Foils Biggest Drug Operation in Its History

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)
Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. (KUNA)

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced on Wednesday the foiling of the largest drug bust in Kuwait's history, consisting of approximately 5 tons of raw "Lyrica" powder and nearly 4 million capsules ready for sale, worth around 150 million Kuwaiti dinars, or around $486.8 million US dollars.

Speaking as part of a national drug prevention campaign, he said that Tuesday's bust also included an integrated factory for producing the psychotropic substance Lyrica, alongside equipment for filling and distributing capsules.

The bust reflects the magnitude of the danger of drugs to society, he added.

"The quantity seized was ready to be sold, but the suspect did not act to distribute it out of fear of falling under the jurisdiction of the new law."

Al-Yousef stressed that the new drug law "has contributed to boosting deterrence, making drug dealers think twice before attempting to harm any citizen or resident on Kuwaiti soil."

"Combating drugs is at the forefront of the Ministry of Interior's priorities, which continues to crack down on smugglers and distributors, tighten surveillance and seizure measures, and dry up the sources of this scourge," he said.


Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of those who died, as well as to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, which claimed the lives of several newborn babies, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with the victims' families and the government and people of Pakistan following this tragic incident, wishing Pakistan and its people security and safety.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's welcome of the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Arab Republic's military institutions, noting that the move would contribute to enhancing security and stability in Syria and for its brotherly people, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Kingdom reiterates its support for the steps taken by the Syrian government to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people and continue the path toward unity and development.

The Kingdom also wished the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people security, peace, and prosperity.