Gulf Scientists to Study COVID-19 Genetic Sequence

GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Gulf Scientists to Study COVID-19 Genetic Sequence

GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Gulf Cooperation Council formed a team of virologists to carry out a study on the genetic sequence of the coronavirus that is present in GCC countries, where the number of cases has reached nearly 1.3 million.

The GCC also agreed to ensure that citizens are treated for free and to emphasize the importance of exchange of information among member states regarding new strains and the effectiveness of PCR tests to diagnose COVID-19 mutations.

The GCC health ministers convened in a video conference on Thursday in their fourth extraordinary meeting chaired by Faeqa Al-Saleh, Bahrain’s Minister of Health and President of the current session, with the participation of GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, to discuss the latest developments regarding the pandemic.

The ministers underlined the importance to maintain internal strategies to provide vaccines to citizens and residents in order to curb the spread of the virus.

The ministers also praised the efforts of the General Secretariat and the GCC Health Council, which are aimed at promoting joint action to immunize society and ensure that citizens and residents are vaccinated.

During the summit held in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla in January, GCC leaders adopted an emergency preparedness and response plan, a guide for early detection and the establishment of the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control.



Coalition Intercepts Houthi Attacks as Resident Injured by Ballistic Missile Debris

 The directorate's teams responded to the incident and followed standard procedures - SPA
The directorate's teams responded to the incident and followed standard procedures - SPA
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Coalition Intercepts Houthi Attacks as Resident Injured by Ballistic Missile Debris

 The directorate's teams responded to the incident and followed standard procedures - SPA
The directorate's teams responded to the incident and followed standard procedures - SPA

The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen continued Wednesday to counter terrorist Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, announcing that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.

An Arab resident was injured and a home and a vehicle sustained limited material damage on Wednesday when debris fell in Riyadh following the interception of a ballistic missile, the Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense reported.

On Tuesday, the coalition intercepted ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones launched toward the Riyadh region, the southern region, Al-Kharj Governorate, Haradh Center in Al-Ahsa Governorate, and the city of Dhahran in eastern Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Civil Defense also reported that debris from the interception of two cruise missiles fell in Riyadh, injuring four people and causing limited material damage to 15 residential homes.

In a development reflecting the widening scope of military strikes against resources relied upon by the Houthi militia, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy carried out several airstrikes Tuesday on the Al-Sabaha Central Fuel Storage Station, west of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in an effort to disrupt a key Houthi fuel supply line that supports the group's military operations.


Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Iraqi Prime Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Wednesday following his arrival in Riyadh for a visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed regional developments and coordinated efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region. They also reviewed Saudi-Iraqi relations and ways to enhance cooperation across various fields, particularly security coordination between the two countries to address potential regional security challenges.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi government, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq's firm position that it would not allow its territory to be used as a launching point for any attacks or actions that threaten the security of Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region.

He stressed Iraq's commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and respect for its own sovereignty and that of brotherly and friendly countries.

Al-Zaidi also expressed the Iraqi government's condemnation of the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as well as any harm inflicted on civilians and civilian facilities during conflicts, warning that such actions threaten regional security and stability.

The Iraqi prime minister had arrived in Riyadh earlier with an official delegation for the official visit to Saudi Arabia.


Coalition Continues to Intercept Houthi Terrorist Attacks

Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
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Coalition Continues to Intercept Houthi Terrorist Attacks

Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)
Damage to a residential home in Riyadh after debris fell from the interception of a missile on Tuesday (SPA)

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh was intercepted and destroyed.

Earlier Wednesday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stated that its teams in Riyadh responded on Tuesday to falling debris from two cruise missiles launched by the Houthis after they were intercepted and destroyed.

Four people were injured — two women, a man, and a child — and 15 homes sustained limited material damage. Standard procedures for such incidents were followed.

On Tuesday, the Coalition intercepted several ballistic and cruise missiles, and drones.