Saudi Interior Minister Oversees Annual Ceremony for Hajj Security Forces

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, inspected the preparedness of the Hajj Security Forces. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, inspected the preparedness of the Hajj Security Forces. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Minister Oversees Annual Ceremony for Hajj Security Forces

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, inspected the preparedness of the Hajj Security Forces. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, inspected the preparedness of the Hajj Security Forces. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, inspected the preparedness of the Hajj Security Forces to carry out their field duties in maintaining the security and safety of the pilgrims.
The inspection took place during the minister’s patronage of the annual ceremony organized by the participating forces for the 1446 AH Hajj season.
In a speech during the ceremony, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Lieutenant-General Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Director of the Security Committee, affirmed that the wise leadership has mobilized all capabilities and resources to prioritize services for the Hajj and well-care of the pilgrims.
He noted that these significant efforts have produced exemplary outcomes in crowd management, coordination, planning, and integration among various sectors, achieving the desired results and ensuring the pilgrims experience the highest levels of security and safety.
Al-Bassami also emphasized that the Hajj Security Forces are at the highest level of readiness and fully capable of responding firmly and effectively to any threats to pilgrims’ security or disruptions to their rituals, ensuring a safe environment for them to perform their rites.
The ceremony included field exercises simulating various security scenarios, displays of security vehicles and advanced equipment, in addition to showcasing security aviation and specialized vehicles used during the Hajj season.
The ceremony was attended by several princes and officials.



Kuwait Ports Authority Says Drones Struck Shuwaikh Port

Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026. (AFP/file photo)
Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026. (AFP/file photo)
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Kuwait Ports Authority Says Drones Struck Shuwaikh Port

Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026. (AFP/file photo)
Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026. (AFP/file photo)

The Kuwait Ports Authority said on Friday that its main commercial Shuwaikh Port was targeted in a drone attack, resulting in material damage but no human casualties.

The authority added in a statement that it had activated the emergency procedures in place for such situations, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Iran pressed on with its assaults in the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.


Saudi Arabia Urges Its Nationals in Lebanon to Leave Immediately

Saudi Embassy in Beirut (Reuters)
Saudi Embassy in Beirut (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Urges Its Nationals in Lebanon to Leave Immediately

Saudi Embassy in Beirut (Reuters)
Saudi Embassy in Beirut (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia on Friday renewed calls on Saudi nationals currently present in Lebanon to leave the country immediately because of the security situation there.

In a statement on its social media platform X, the Saudi Embassy in Beirut urged its citizens to comply with the travel ban to Lebanon and called on all nationals currently present in the country to leave immediately citing the security developments.

The embassy emphasized the need to contact it in case of any emergency, wishing safety and security for all.


Kuwait Dismantles Iranian Cell, Bahrain Refers Collaborators to Judiciary

An Iranian rocket is intercepted over Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
An Iranian rocket is intercepted over Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
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Kuwait Dismantles Iranian Cell, Bahrain Refers Collaborators to Judiciary

An Iranian rocket is intercepted over Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
An Iranian rocket is intercepted over Abu Dhabi. (AFP)

Kuwait announced on Thursday that it busted a cell associated with Iran, while Bahrain referred collaborators with Tehran to the judiciary, reflecting the readiness of Gulf countries to deal with threats to their stability and security and to protect their higher interests.

Kuwaiti authorities said they thwarted a terrorist plot to carry out assassinations of state figures and leaders.

They detained a cell that includes a number of Kuwaitis working for Hezbollah, they added.

The cell was also tasked with recruiting people to carry out their attacks with the aim of harming higher national interests.

Kuwait had busted a similar cell just days ago.

Kuwait’s defenses also shot down on Thursday hostile rockets and drones that had breached its airspace.

In Bahrain, authorities arrested a cell accused of collaborating with Iran. It referred to the judiciary 14 people for contacting the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC).

The detainees received assistance and funds to support operations against Kuwait, saying the IRGC had tasked them with sending photos and information.

One of the detainees took photos and sent coordinates of vital installations to the Guards, said Manama. The IRGC had used the information received from the cell to carry out attacks against Bahrain.

On March 12, the interior ministry announced that it had arrested four citizens for collaborating with the IRGC. Two days prior, it arrested six people for sharing photos of damage caused by Iranian attacks and voicing sympathy with Tehran and its hostile activities.

On Thursday, Bahrain’s defenses downed a rocket and 19 drones. Authorities said they will continue to confront Iran’s heinous terrorist attacks.

Bahrain has so far destroyed 154 rockets and 350 drones since the hostilities began.

In the UAE, authorities said a person was killed and three wounded from falling shrapnel from a downed ballistic missile in Abu Dhabi. Several vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

Emirati defenses downed 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones fired from Iran in recent hours.

Since the eruption of the conflict, defenses downed 372 ballistic missiles and 1,826 drones from Iran. Two members of the armed forces were killed while performing their national duties.