Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN Security Council's Terrorist Designation of Houthis

A fighter loyal to the Houthis visits the grave of slain Houthi political leader Saleh al-Sammad at al-Sabeen square in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Jan. 31, 2022. (Getty Images)
A fighter loyal to the Houthis visits the grave of slain Houthi political leader Saleh al-Sammad at al-Sabeen square in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Jan. 31, 2022. (Getty Images)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN Security Council's Terrorist Designation of Houthis

A fighter loyal to the Houthis visits the grave of slain Houthi political leader Saleh al-Sammad at al-Sabeen square in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Jan. 31, 2022. (Getty Images)
A fighter loyal to the Houthis visits the grave of slain Houthi political leader Saleh al-Sammad at al-Sabeen square in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Jan. 31, 2022. (Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations Security Council's terrorist designation of the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen, as well as its expansion of an arms embargo to include all members of the militias.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry hoped that the move would put an end to the activity of the terrorist Houthis and their backers.

It hoped that it would end the supplies of sophisticated weapons, drones and rockets, as well as Iranian funds, to the militias.

These weapons are being used to attack civilians and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and threaten international marine navigation, continued the ministry.

It reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen, expressing its support to the efforts exerted to that end by the UN envoy.

Monday's resolution "strongly condemns the cross-border attacks by the Houthi terrorist group, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE striking civilians and civilian infrastructure, and demanding the immediate cessation of such attacks."



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.


GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

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

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised on Tuesday security authorities in Kuwait on their arrest of a “terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah.”

In a statement, he condemned its plans to target Kuwait’s security and stability.

“This security achievement reflects the high level of vigilance and efficiency of Kuwaiti authorities and their ability to deal decisively and proactively with terrorist threats” to protect lives and maintain security, he added.

He stressed the GCC’s “firm and unwavering rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, underscoring the full support of the GCC member states for all measures taken by Kuwait to maintain its security and stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and confront anyone who may seek to undermine its security or threaten the safety of its citizens and residents.”

“GCC member states will remain united in confronting terrorism, continuing to strengthen the collective security system and consolidate stability in the region, in a manner that serves the interests of their peoples and preserves their achievements,” he added.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry had on Monday announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaiti and Lebanese people for belonging to a Hezbollah terrorist cell that was plotting to destabilize the country and recruit new members.

A ministry spokesman said they plotted to undermine state sovereignty and stir instability in order to stoke chaos and harm public order.

They were arrested in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as weapons used for assassinations. They also possessed drones, drugs, maps, money and arms used for training.

The detainees were referred to the Public Prosecution.