Houthi Cross-Border Attacks Draw More Int’l Condemnation

Marib Governor Sultan al-Arada meets with Arab coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki in Marib. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Marib Governor Sultan al-Arada meets with Arab coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki in Marib. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Houthi Cross-Border Attacks Draw More Int’l Condemnation

Marib Governor Sultan al-Arada meets with Arab coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki in Marib. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Marib Governor Sultan al-Arada meets with Arab coalition spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki in Marib. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Houthi crimes in Yemen and cross-border attacks against civilian targets in neighboring Saudi Arabia have drawn more international condemnation with a number of states calling for commitment to humanitarian laws and urging an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn country.

Spain’s Foreign Ministry, in an official statement on Tuesday, condemned repeated attacks recently launched by the Iran-backed militias on several residential complexes in Saudi Arabia.

Noting that these attacks endanger civilian lives, violate the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and threaten regional security, the ministry called for strict commitment to international humanitarian laws and implementing an immediate ceasefire.

In a similar statement, France slammed the Houthis for firing missiles and launching drones against Saudi cities.

It affirmed that these attacks represent a dangerous escalation and violate international law.

Paris reiterated its strong commitment to the security of Saudi territory and regional stability, to which the proliferation of drones and missiles poses a serious threat.

“The destabilizing regional activities of the Houthis and their offensive in Yemen’s Marib are directly violate any process to resolve the crisis in Yemen and must cease immediately,” an official statement said.

“France reaffirms its commitment to a cessation of hostilities in the country and to the relaunching of discussions on a comprehensive and inclusive political agreement, under UN auspices,” the statement added.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) warned against Houthi cross-border assaults endangering the lives of Saudi civilians.

“The uptick in Houthi cross-border attacks puts civilian lives at risk and threatens the security of Saudi Arabia,” he said in a tweet.

“The US remains committed to protecting the Kingdom’s territorial integrity. The violence must stop and all parties should engage in UN-led peace talks,” he added.

Sudan also strongly condemned Houthi violence and warned that cross-border attacks by the militias undermined regional stability.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that international silence against “heinous” crimes and violations committed by Houthis is “unacceptable.”



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity


Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, affirming that this step will contribute to supporting the country’s stability, prosperity, and development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Kingdom commended the significant and positive role played by US President Donald Trump, beginning with his announcement to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025, and culminating in his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom also extended its sincere congratulations to the Syrian leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.

The statement expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the steps taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across all Syrian territories, create conducive conditions for rebuilding the state and economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.