'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the launch of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval, and air defense forces, as well as the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness, and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise focuses on unifying the concept of joint military action, boosting joint operational readiness, and executing and evaluating tactics to address current and emerging threats. It includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures, and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical, and support personnel.

The exercise also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and United States.

The Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supports the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities, and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.



Saudia Denies Any Link to Aircraft Reportedly Transferred to a Sanctioned Entity

A statement confirmed that the aircraft were sold to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia in 2023 (Saudia).
A statement confirmed that the aircraft were sold to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia in 2023 (Saudia).
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Saudia Denies Any Link to Aircraft Reportedly Transferred to a Sanctioned Entity

A statement confirmed that the aircraft were sold to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia in 2023 (Saudia).
A statement confirmed that the aircraft were sold to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia in 2023 (Saudia).

Saudia on Saturday denied having any connection to aircraft that reports claimed had been transferred to a sanctioned entity.

In a statement, the airline said it had taken note of media and social media reports claiming that Boeing 777-200 aircraft formerly owned by the carrier had been transferred to an entity subject to sanctions.

The statement said the aircraft in question were sold on June 7, 2023, to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the commercial and legal procedures applicable to such transactions. It stressed that Saudia has had no operational or commercial relationship with the aircraft since the date of the sale.


Coalition: Houthi Statements an Attempt to Divert Attention Away from Violations Against Yemenis

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Coalition: Houthi Statements an Attempt to Divert Attention Away from Violations Against Yemenis

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Malki, has said that statements made by Yemen’s Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia were “an attempt to divert attention away from their grave violations” against the Yemeni people.

In his statement issued early Saturday, Al-Malki accused the Houthis of “trying to export the economic disasters and Yemeni suffering they have caused, in addition to covering the rejections they face from tribal and social components of Yemen, to their regional periphery and neighboring countries.”

“The claims they made are an extension of escalations and hostile behavior demonstrated by the Houthi militia and their attempts to undermine regional and international security.”

“The Kingdom along with the Coalition and international partners have endeavored to undertake initiatives and efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people caused by the coup carried out by the Houthi militia, in addition to resolving the Yemeni crisis through a roadmap, which the legitimate Yemeni government approved, while the Houthis rejected.”

Al-Malki also accused the Houthis of “rejecting efforts for lasting peace and attacked Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and international trade in the Southern Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.”

He said such actions “have exposed the capabilities of the Yemeni people to targeting and mass destruction in the Ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif, in addition to Sanaa International Airport and power stations and industrial plants infrastructures and other major economic components that belong to the Yemeni people.”

Al-Malki warned that the Coalition will respond firmly and with “unprecedented force” to any attempts to target the Kingdom, its citizens and residents and national assets, or any attempt to violate Yemen’s sovereignty.


Kuwait Police Arrest 10 Suspects in 7 Different Cases

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. REUTERS /Mohamed Abd El Ghany
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. REUTERS /Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Kuwait Police Arrest 10 Suspects in 7 Different Cases

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. REUTERS /Mohamed Abd El Ghany
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. REUTERS /Mohamed Abd El Ghany

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of 10 suspects in seven separate cases involving possession of narcotics and psychotropic substances intended for trafficking and personal use.

Among the confiscated items were 20,000 Captagon tablets and 500 grams of hashish.

All suspects, along with the seized drugs, have been referred to the competent authorities for further legal action.