Houthi Escalation, Attack against Saudi Universities Draw Condemnation

The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
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Houthi Escalation, Attack against Saudi Universities Draw Condemnation

The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.

Several countries and organizations condemned on Thursday the escalation by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen against Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in the day, the Saudi-led Arab coalition and air defenses intercepted and destroyed eight armed drones fired by the militias towards universities in Jizan and Najran.

Bahrain slammed the Houthis for their continued attacks against the Kingdom, saying they are a flagrant violation of international laws.

The Foreign Ministry expressed Manama’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and all the measures it takes to protect its security, stability and territories. It urged the international community to stand against these heinous attacks that go against Saudi Arabia’s sincere efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution in line with the initiative it announced on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Houthi attack.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the ongoing terrorist attacks by the militias reflect their blatant disregard for the international community and all international laws and norms.

The Ministry urged the international community to take an immediate and decisive stance to stop these recurrent acts, which target critical infrastructure and threaten the security and stability of the Kingdom, as well as global energy supplies. It also stressed that the continued threat of these attacks in recent days is a grave escalation that represents new evidence of this militias’ attempts to undermine security and stability in the region.

It renewed the UAE's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these terrorist acts and its unwavering commitment to opposing any threat to its security and stability, confirming its support for any measures the Kingdom may take to preserve the safety of its citizens and residents.

"The security of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is indivisible, and any threat facing the Kingdom is considered a threat to the UAE's security and stability," the Ministry stressed.

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, strongly condemned the hostile escalation of the terrorist Houthis against the Kingdom.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf condemned the Houthi attack. He remarked that the Houthis persist in these attacks in spite of the Kingdom’s announcement of a new peace initiative for Yemen.

The escalation reflects the flagrant challenge of the Houthi terrorist militias to the international community and their disregard for all international laws and norms, he added. This demands that the international community take an immediate and decisive stance to stop these continued terrorist acts.

He underscored the solidarity the GCC with Saudi Arabia in whatever measures it takes to defend its territories and preserve the safety of its citizens and residents.



Baghdad, Manama Keen to ‘Unify Stances’ on Regional Issues

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
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Baghdad, Manama Keen to ‘Unify Stances’ on Regional Issues

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)

Bahrain said on Wednesday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi condemned "the Iranian aggression against the Kingdom" during his official visit to Manama, following meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Prime Minister's office said that Al-Zaidi met the Bahraini monarch during his visit to the capital, extending an invitation for the King to visit Iraq, while stressing that the trip aims to revive historical ties between the two nations.

Al-Zaidi underscored efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic, investment, commercial, political, and social sectors, stressing that both countries share common security interests and must unify their stances on regional and international issues.

He stressed the importance of working to achieve regional stability and prioritizing dialogue to establish peace and end tensions.

For his part, the King of Bahrain said the PM’s visit is a step that will open new horizons for relations between the two countries.

He underlined his country's support for the Iraqi government, highlighting the importance of working to achieve security and stability, maintain mutual interests, and consolidate bilateral relations to boost joint Arab action.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi Prime Minister's efforts and commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and deepening solid ties with the Kingdom. The King also praised Iraq's supportive stance, solidarity with Bahrain, and condemnation of the Iranian aggression that targeted the Kingdom.

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, underscored the deep-rooted historical ties connecting Bahrain and Iraq, noting their continuous progress.

He highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen and develop joint cooperation and coordination across various fields, steering relations toward broader horizons to achieve mutual goals and aspirations.


Saudi Crown Prince, Syrian President Discuss Regional Developments

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Syrian President Discuss Regional Developments

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday for talks on regional developments and issues of common interest. 

They reviewed bilateral relations and means to develop them and bolster cooperation between their countries in various fields. 

Al-Sharaa had arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Wednesday on an official visit.

Leading a delegation of senior officials, including the ministers of defense, finance, foreign affairs, finance and industry, he is set to hold bilateral talks focused on bolstering relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Talks are also set to tackle regional issues of common interest.

Al-Sharaa was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, and Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, the accompanying minister, along with several officials.

This visit comes at a critical juncture amid intensive regional diplomatic activity. Riyadh and Damascus are seeking to coordinate joint positions, particularly regarding security issues and counter-terrorism. Furthermore, the two capitals aim to activate economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities in industry and trade to support regional stability and development efforts.


Coalition Destroys Three Drones Fired at Saudi Arabia

Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Coalition Destroys Three Drones Fired at Saudi Arabia

Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said that a drone launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Southern Region was intercepted and destroyed.

Another drone was downed in the Eastern Region and another in the Makkah Region, he added.

The Saudi Civil Defense also announced early Wednesday morning that a threat to the Riyadh Region had passed, shortly after activating an early emergency warning system as part of standard hazard alert procedures.