Saudi air force to participate in Desert Flag drill in UAE

Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, RSAF Commander, saw off the Saudi team participating in the drill at King Faisal Air Base. (SPA)
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Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, RSAF Commander, saw off the Saudi team participating in the drill at King Faisal Air Base. (SPA)
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Updated 16 April 2024
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Saudi air force to participate in Desert Flag drill in UAE

Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, RSAF Commander, saw off the Saudi team participating in the drill at King Faisal Air Base
  • Prince Turki said that participation would enable the exchange of military experience, boost readiness and combat efficiency, and strengthen relations with the participating forces

RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force will participate next week in the multinational air exercise Desert Flag at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

RSAF Commander Lt. Gen. Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz saw off the Saudi team participating in the drill at King Faisal Air Base in the northern sector.

Prince Turki was briefed by the commander of the air force team on the readiness of the team and equipment, met members of the team, and urged them to exercise the utmost effort to fully benefit from the exercise, to honor the RSAF, and to maintain the air force’s distinction in all forums, highlighting the importance of commitment to safety standards.

The RSAF commander said that Desert Flag was one of the important exercises in the region, adding that the RSAF would participate in the exercise with the F-15SA aircraft, along with all its air, technical and support crews.

Prince Turki said that participation would enable the exchange of military experience, boost readiness and combat efficiency, and strengthen relations with the participating forces.

Members of the Royal Saudi Air Force also recently participated in the annual medium-scale exercise INIOCHOS 2024 air drill in Greece.

INIOCHOS 2024 is one of the largest military exercises on the European continent. The RSAF participated with six Typhoon aircraft and their air, technical and support crews.

The drill included offensive, defensive and strategic counterair operations, as well as counterland and maritime operations, along with practice in combat search-and-rescue operations.

 


Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart

Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart
Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart

Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart

JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan met Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World.

The two officials discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in various artistic fields, including literature, music, films and heritage, in addition to discussing collaboration with organizations concerned with cultural affairs such as UNESCO.


Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes
Updated 59 min 7 sec ago
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Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes
  • Department was set up after a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • It aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior established the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes on Thursday to further ensure the public safety.

The newly established body will be linked to the General Directorate of Public Security, following a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry said that the department aims to combat crimes that infringe on personal rights, violate fundamental freedoms under Islamic Shariah laws, or undermine individual dignity.

It also aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities, the SPA added.


Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
  • Border Guard seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300
  • In Jizan, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling khat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities thwarted drug smuggling and dealing attempts, including of hashish, khat, and methamphetamine, in various cities on Thursday.

The General Directorate of Border Guard arrested an Ethiopian citizen for attempting to smuggle 49,350 tablets of unlicensed medical pills in the Red Sea region of Asir, located in southwest Saudi Arabia.

The Border Guard thwarted another smuggling attempt in Asir, which borders Yemen, where they seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300.

In Jizan, located in the southwest of the Kingdom, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling 5.5 kg of hashish and 30 kg of khat; in another incident, they seized 108 kg of khat.

In Dammam in the eastern region, the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi citizen for selling the toxic methamphetamine drug known locally as Al-Shabu.

Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All information will remain strictly confidential.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
Updated 13 February 2025
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
  • Special launch, social event in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China was launched at a special cultural and social event in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event was held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture and the chairman of the award’s board of trustees.

It highlighted the award’s objectives, categories, and various initiatives designed to enhance cultural collaboration between Riyadh and Beijing.

Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, the deputy chairman of the board of trustees, was also in attendance.

The deputy chairman emphasized the significance of the award — which bears the name of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — as a symbol of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, one of cultural interaction, strengthening ties and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.

He added that Saudi Vision 2030 placed a strong emphasis on cultural openness — aligning seamlessly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — which seeks to enhance global connectivity.

The award, he said, reflected a new era of cultural cooperation to drive mutual development and prosperity for both nations.


Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.(File/AFP)
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
  • Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.

In the first attack, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, killing eight people. Daesh later claimed the bombing, saying it was targeting Taliban government employees collecting salaries.

In the second attack, a person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday.

A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

The statement also expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims and the Afghan people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.