Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition Discusses Strengthening Partnership with UK

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, addressing escalating threats in the digital sphere, and supporting countries' capabilities to counter terrorist organizations and fortify societies ideologically. (SPA)
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, addressing escalating threats in the digital sphere, and supporting countries' capabilities to counter terrorist organizations and fortify societies ideologically. (SPA)
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Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition Discusses Strengthening Partnership with UK

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, addressing escalating threats in the digital sphere, and supporting countries' capabilities to counter terrorist organizations and fortify societies ideologically. (SPA)
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, addressing escalating threats in the digital sphere, and supporting countries' capabilities to counter terrorist organizations and fortify societies ideologically. (SPA)

Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi held on Tuesday a series of high-level meetings in London with officials from the UK Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, addressing escalating threats in the digital sphere, and supporting countries' capabilities to counter terrorist organizations and fortify societies ideologically.

Al-Moghedi met with Director, Counter Terrorism, Homeland Security Group, at the UK Home Office Jemima Murray.

They discussed the growing dangers of online extremism and rapid transformations in the digital environment, which extremist groups and organizations exploit to spread their ideology, recruit individuals, and influence thoughts and beliefs.

During his visit to London, Al-Moghedi also met with a high-level delegation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, including Head of the UK's Counter Daesh Communications Cell Martyn Warr and other officials.

During the meetings, the secretary-general reviewed the IMCTC's areas of work in combating terrorism and the specialized programs and initiatives it implements to support member states and build their capabilities according to their needs and the challenges they face.

He stressed the importance of international partnerships and the integration of efforts in confronting terrorism, particularly considering the evolving tactics of extremist organizations and their increasing use of technology and digital platforms for recruitment and the dissemination of extremist ideologies.

The meetings are part of the IMCTC's efforts to expand its international partnerships and strengthen cooperation with institutions and entities concerned with combating terrorism, thereby supporting its mission to assist member states, develop their capabilities, and enhance regional and international security and stability.



Bahrain Offers Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

Bahrain Flag (Reuters)
Bahrain Flag (Reuters)
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Bahrain Offers Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

Bahrain Flag (Reuters)
Bahrain Flag (Reuters)

Bahrain extended its condolences to Saudi Arabia over the death of two officers in a helicopter crash in the Najran region due to technical failure, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain expressed its deep sympathy with Saudi Arabia's leadership, government, and people.
Bahrain affirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in this painful loss, praying that Allah Almighty bestow His mercy on the two officers and grant their families patience and solace.

On Sunday, official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said in a ⁠statement that a Saudi AH-6i helicopter crashed in Najran due to technical malfunction, killing its two crew members.

The helicopter crashed in an area under the jurisdiction of the Saudi National ⁠Guard Ministry, the statement added.


Gulf Countries Demand to Be Included in Any Negotiations with Iran that Must Cover its Missile Program

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
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Gulf Countries Demand to Be Included in Any Negotiations with Iran that Must Cover its Missile Program

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called on Sunday for designating the Houthi group as a terrorist organization and halting the support that allows it to acquire missiles and drones.

Meeting in Bahrain for the 168th GCC Ministerial Council, they demanded that Iran cease its aggression against regional countries and compensate for the resulting damages.

The ministers stressed the need to involve Gulf states in any negotiations or arrangements affecting their security.

Any understandings with Iran must encompass its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its drones and support for regional proxies, while expressing support for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, they added in a statement.

They condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of the Two Holy Mosques, civilian airports, and vital installations, which resulted in civilian casualties. The council expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The council underscored the full solidarity of the Gulf states with Saudi Arabia and backed all measures it takes to protect its security and sovereignty.

It stressed that any attack on a member state constitutes an attack on all council states under the Joint Defense Agreement, while emphasizing the council states' right to individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers welcomed the presidential statement by the UN Security Council on October 15, which condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Aramco facilities, and stressed the Kingdom's right to self-defense.

They also demanded the strict implementation of the arms embargo against the Houthis and expressed support for reaching a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in line with the three references.

On Iran, the Ministerial Council held Tehran fully responsible for the attacks on the Gulf states and Jordan. It demanded accountability for those responsible and urged that Iran be compelled to repair the resulting damages in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 of 2026.

The ministers stressed the importance of protecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, warning against closing these waterways, obstructing navigation within them, targeting commercial vessels and their crews, or planting mines.

They rejected the imposition of unlawful fees or restrictions on the transit of ships, as well as subjecting transit passage to prior permission or mandated routes. Furthermore, they demanded the restoration of freedom of navigation and the return of conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to what they were prior to February 28.


Pakistan, Egypt FMs Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Seek Quadrilateral Meeting

This handout photograph taken and released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 29, 2026 shows Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (R) shaking hand with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty (L) at Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Handout/AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 29, 2026 shows Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (R) shaking hand with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty (L) at Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Handout/AFP)
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Pakistan, Egypt FMs Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Seek Quadrilateral Meeting

This handout photograph taken and released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 29, 2026 shows Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (R) shaking hand with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty (L) at Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Handout/AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 29, 2026 shows Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (R) shaking hand with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty (L) at Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Handout/AFP)

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar and Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Badr Abdelatty strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The condemnation came during a phone call between Dar and Abdelatty on Sunday, during which they affirmed their full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The ministers reviewed regional developments and their implications for security and stability.

They discussed ways to enhance cooperation within the quadrilateral group comprising Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye.

They hoped the group's next meeting would be held as soon as possible to strengthen ties and coordinate positions on regional issues.