Arab Coalition Intercepts Houthi Drone Launched Towards Khamis Mushait

Arab coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Arab coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
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Arab Coalition Intercepts Houthi Drone Launched Towards Khamis Mushait

Arab coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Arab coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki. (SPA)

The Saudi-led Arab Coalition said Saturday it had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched by the Houthi militia towards the city of Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia.

Arab Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said the Iranian-backed Houthi militias continue to target civilians.

He also stressed that the Coalition was taking “all necessary operational measures to protect civilians against terrorist assaults.”

Earlier on Friday, an official from Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said an oil refinery in Riyadh was also attacked.

The United States condemned the drone strike, calling it an attempt to "disrupt global energy supplies."

"We condemn the Houthis' attempts to disrupt global energy supplies by targeting Saudi infrastructure," State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter told reporters.

"This behavior shows an utter lack of concern for the safety of the civilian population either working or living near the sites."



Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

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

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.