Bahrain, Qatar Welcome Saudi, UAE Efforts to Bolster Security in Yemen

This file photo taken on March 17, 2022 shows a view of the skyline of the Bahraini capital city of Manama. (AFP)
This file photo taken on March 17, 2022 shows a view of the skyline of the Bahraini capital city of Manama. (AFP)
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Bahrain, Qatar Welcome Saudi, UAE Efforts to Bolster Security in Yemen

This file photo taken on March 17, 2022 shows a view of the skyline of the Bahraini capital city of Manama. (AFP)
This file photo taken on March 17, 2022 shows a view of the skyline of the Bahraini capital city of Manama. (AFP)

Bahrain and Qatar welcomed on Thursday efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to bolster security and stability in Yemen.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Manama calls on all Yemeni forces to restore calm, avoid from escalation, and turn to dialogue and peaceful solutions, reported Bahrain's state news agency BNA.

It called on all parties to avoid anything that may destabilize Yemen and instead work on restoring peace and security to preserve the higher interests of the people.

Qatar expressed its full support for all efforts that strengthen peace and security in Yemen.

It stressed the importance of "close cooperation among all Yemeni parties to prevent escalation and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means to preserve Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity."

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined Doha's full support for the legitimate Yemeni government. It lauded the PLC's efforts to ease the suffering of the people and fulfill their aspirations for security, stability, and peace.

Saudi Arabia had on Thursday warned that "the military movements in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahra, recently conducted by the Southern Transitional Council, were carried out unilaterally, and without the approval of the Presidential Leadership Council or coordination with the Arab coalition’s leadership."

"These movements resulted in an unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of all segments of Yemeni people, as well as the Southern cause and the coalition's efforts," it added.

"Throughout these recent developments, the Kingdom has prioritized preserving unity and making every effort to reach peaceful solutions to resolve the situation in both governorates."

"The Kingdom worked with the UAE, chairman of the PLC, and Yemeni government to contain the situation. A joint military team was sent from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to put the necessary arrangements in place with the STC in Aden.

The arrangements sought to ensure the return of the STC forces to their previous positions outside the two governorates and hand over the camps in those areas to the Nation Shield Forces and the local authorities, in accordance with organized procedures under the supervision of the Coalition forces.

"The Kingdom remains hopeful that the public interest will prevail through ending the escalation by the STC and the withdrawal of its forces from the two governorates in an urgent and orderly manner."

"The Kingdom stressed the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni factions and components to exercise restraint and avoid any measures that could destabilize security and stability, which may result in undesirable consequences."



Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

 Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
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Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

 Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 

Gulf Cooperation Council states are pursuing hunting down terrorist cells linked to Tehran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as they continue to counter Iranian attacks, intercepting more than 6,246 missiles and drones, according to the Gulf Research Center.

Monitoring by Asharq Al-Awsat shows that within 30 days, Gulf security services uncovered nine cells tied to Iran or its allies, particularly Hezbollah, across four countries: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The first cell was announced in Qatar on March 3, and the latest on March 30—meaning all nine were dismantled within 27 days, or roughly one Iran-linked cell every three days.

Seventy-four suspects across nine Iranian cells

About 74 individuals were arrested or identified across the nine cells, according to official data. They include nationals of Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and Bahrain.

According to official statements and confessions, the suspects were involved in coordinating with operatives abroad in ways that undermine state sovereignty and endanger public safety. Charges include raising funds for attacks, plotting assassinations targeting leaders and public figures, damaging strategic interests, infiltrating national economies, and executing schemes that threaten financial stability.

They also face accusations of espionage, collecting intelligence on military and critical sites, and possessing drones and coordinates of sensitive locations.

“Exporting the revolution”

The activities and charges mirror previously uncovered Iran-linked networks in the Gulf. Gulf security specialist Dhafer Alajmi said Iran has pursued a policy of exporting its 1979 revolution, turning sleeper cells into an existential threat to Gulf states.

Gulf countries began dismantling such networks early in the current conflict. The first announced operation came less than 72 hours after the outbreak of US, Israeli, and Iranian military confrontations, reflecting heightened security vigilance.

In Bahrain, authorities uncovered three cells involving 14 individuals, including 12 detained and two identified as fugitives abroad.

In Kuwait, three cells linked to the banned Hezbollah group involved 45 individuals, some arrested and others identified overseas.

The UAE announced the dismantling of a network linked to Hezbollah and Iran comprising five members.

Qatar, the first to act on March 3, said two cells working for the Revolutionary Guards involved 10 suspects.

A three-dimensional strategy

Alajmi said Tehran relies on a three-dimensional strategy to encircle the region: local terrorist cells, recruitment within Gulf states to carry out bombings and assassinations, and regional armed proxies such as the Houthis and Hezbollah to exert missile and drone pressure.

He also pointed to “nuclear blackmail,” using nuclear facilities as cover for destabilizing activities and as leverage against the international community.

He said Gulf states have demonstrated exceptional efficiency through preemptive operations that foiled dozens of plots and uncovered weapons and explosives linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

He cited strict anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing laws that have constrained Iran-linked networks financially, alongside defense alliances, enhanced security coordination such as the Peninsula Shield Force, and advanced air defense systems.

He added that public awareness has denied such cells a supportive environment, turning them from pressure tools into losing assets.

“An old, renewed tactic”

Bahraini writer Faisal Al-Sheikh said targeting Bahrain and the wider Gulf through terrorist cells and proxy networks is a long-standing Iranian tactic central to its proxy warfare strategy, aimed at undermining states from within and spreading instability.

He described it as a system built on recruiting agents and exploiting weak loyalties, calling it “organized betrayal.”

Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Tehran uses such cells to destabilize Gulf states and signal that any attack on it would trigger broader regional chaos.

Developments since the start of hostilities show Gulf forces have not only intercepted attacks in the air but are also engaged in a parallel ground campaign to dismantle Iran-linked networks operating within their borders.


Russia Stresses its Support to Saudi Arabia’s Sovereignty, Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Russia Stresses its Support to Saudi Arabia’s Sovereignty, Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held telephone talks on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the rapid developments in the region amid the military escalation.

They tackled the negative repercussions of the escalation and its impact on marine navigation and the global economy.

Putin stressed to Crown Prince Mohammed Russia’s support to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.

The leaders also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest.


Saudi Defenses Intercept, Destroy 5 Drones and a Ballistic Missile

The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
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Saudi Defenses Intercept, Destroy 5 Drones and a Ballistic Missile

The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)

Saudi air defenses intercepted five drones and a ballistic missile launched by Iran toward the Kingdom in recent hours.

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, announced the interception and destruction of five drones in recent hours, as well as a ballistic missile targeting the Eastern Province.

Al-Maliki confirmed the success of the operations and the readiness of the armed forces to protect the airspace and respond to various threats, with no damage reported.