Saudi Defenses Destroy 9 Armed Drones Fired at Kingdom

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Defenses Destroy 9 Armed Drones Fired at Kingdom

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi-led Arab coalition said on Friday that Saudi defenses shot down nine armed drones fired at the Kingdom.

It said the aircraft were aimed at civilian locations and energy facilities.

It accused the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen of being behind the failed attack, blaming them for threatening regional and security.

The coalition stressed its support to the Gulf and international stance in seeking the success of the upcoming intra-Yemeni consultations, while the Houthis are attempting to scuttle them.

The consultations will be held in Riyadh from March 29 to April 7.



Saudi Crown Prince, Japanese PM Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Japanese PM Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call on Thursday from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The Crown Prince and Takaichi reviewed relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields.

They also addressed the latest regional developments, and their security and economic implications on the region and the world.

The discussion further covered efforts to de-escalate tensions, enhance regional security and stability, and ensure maritime security, along with its economic impact and implications for global supply chains.


Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands Discuss Efforts to Maintain Security of Int’l Waterways

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands Discuss Efforts to Maintain Security of Int’l Waterways

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has discussed with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen efforts to keep international waterways safe, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting held in Riyadh on Wednesday, the two sides reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on regional developments, SPA said.

The Dutch side reiterated its condemnation of Iran's attacks on the Kingdom and several countries in the region. They also discussed joint efforts to maintain the security and safety of international waterways, the news agency added.


Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
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Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks in Doha on Wednesday with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, focusing on regional and international developments.

Sheikh Tamim hoped the visit would strengthen cooperation and expand ties between their two countries across various sectors.

Sharaa stressed Syria's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in a way that serves the shared interests of both nations and their peoples.

He also expressed solidarity with Qatar following Iranian attacks targeting the country and other states in the region, voicing support for measures taken by Doha to safeguard its sovereignty, security and citizens.

The leaders underscored their commitment to supporting regional security and stability, while discussing bilateral relations and ways to further develop them.

The meeting was attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, as well as a number of senior officials.

Also in attendance were Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani, along with a number of senior officials.

Sheikh Tamim and Al-Sharaa held a separate bilateral meeting to exchange views on key issues of mutual interest, followed by an official luncheon hosted in honor of the visiting delegation.

Al-Sharaa is on a tour of the Gulf that he kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday where he met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.