Marawi, Philippines: Philippine authorities on Tuesday warned Islamist militants occupying parts of a southern city to surrender or die, as attack helicopters pounded the gunmen’s strongholds where up to 2,000 residents were feared trapped.
More than 100 people have been confirmed killed in the conflict, which began last week when gunmen waving black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group rampaged through the mostly Muslim-populated city of Marawi.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the entire southern region of Mindanao, home to roughly 20 million people, in response to the crisis as he warned that local militant groups were uniting behind IS and becoming a major security threat.
But the militants, initially estimated by the nation’s defense chief to number just 100, have withstood eight days of intense air assaults and street-to-street combat, prompting the government’s threats on Tuesday.
“We call on the remaining terrorists to surrender while there is an opportunity,” military spokesman Brig.-General Restituto Padilla said in a statement.
“For the terrorists, not surrendering will mean their sure death.”
Padilla also told AFP the surrender call warning was aimed at limiting the loss of more lives and property.
Up to 2,000 residents were trapped in areas held by the militants, according to the local government, and the International Committee of the Red Cross had voiced alarm they would be caught in the bombing raids or crossfire.
The militants also took a priest and up to 14 other people hostage at the start of the crisis, and their fate remains unknown.
The militants released a video in which they threatened to kill the hostages, according to a report by the SITE Intelligence Group on Monday that could not be verified.
And clashes on Tuesday appeared to be as intense as previous days, according to an AFP reporter who followed security forces who had to run from militants’ sniper fire coming from nearby buildings.
Military helicopters fired rockets repeatedly on that part of the city on Tuesday morning, and black smoke rose from the buildings that were apparently hit.
The gunmen were being backed by foreign fighters, including Malaysians, Indonesians and Singaporeans, authorities said.
The militants had killed at least 19 civilians, while 20 security forces and 65 gunmen had died, according to the military.
The death toll looked likely to climb, with soldiers reporting the smell of corpses in a public market still being held by the militants.
Martin Thalmann, deputy head of the ICRC’s Philippine delegation who is in Marawi, also told AFP on Monday his staff had received reports from people trapped inside the militants’ areas that residents had died from stray bullets and sickness.
The violence began when dozens of gunmen went on a rampage in response to an attempt by security forces to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as the local leader of IS.
Hapilon, a senior member of the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang, is on the US government’s list of most-wanted terrorists.
He was being protected in Marawi by the local Maute group, which has pledged allegiance to IS.
Hapilon, the Maute and other militants had been planning a major attack on Marawi, one of the few Islamic cities in the mainly Catholic Philippines with a population of 200,000 people, armed forces chief General Eduardo Ano said.
He said they were planning to launch the assault to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on the weekend, but the raid on Hapilon triggered them to attack earlier, according to Ano.
Muslim separatist rebellion in the southern Philippines has claimed more than 120,000 lives since the 1970s.
The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging a final peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy.
The Maute, the Abu Sayyaf and other hard-line groups are not interested in negotiating and have in recent years looked to IS to help them.
The Marawi violence was intended to highlight their credentials to IS, security analysts have said.
Duterte said Saturday he was prepared to enforce martial law for as long as was necessary to end the terrorist threat.
Philippines warns Islamist militants to surrender or die
Philippines warns Islamist militants to surrender or die
European Muslims arrive in Madinah
- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs received the pilgrims, who come from 14 different countries
- The 250-strong group will visit the Prophet’s Mosque and tour historic sites
RIYADH: A new group of Muslim pilgrims arrived in the holy city of Madinah from Europe on Thursday to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which supervises the program, received the 250 visitors, who come from 14 different countries. The ministry will provide the group services during their stay.
As well as visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque the pilgrims will tour historic sites including the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.
They will then head to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.
Balancing act required from Renard and Saudi at 26th Arabian Gulf Cup
- Green Falcons will be taking a strong squad to Kuwait, but one eye will be on the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Bahrain and Iraq will see this tournament the same way as Saudi — a chance to lift a trophy but also to get ready for March’s crucial qualifiers
The last time the Arabian Gulf Cup rolled around was just after the 2022 World Cup and it was almost an afterthought for Saudi Arabia and head coach Herve Renard, especially as the Saudi Pro League was in full swing.
Not this time. As the 26th edition kicks off this week, all eyes are on Kuwait and whether the Green Falcons can find the form to lift the trophy and also ignite their faltering 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
Winning the Gulf Cup for the first time since 2004 will be a big deal but the excitement and plaudits would quickly fade if the team miss out on the expanded 48-team World Cup. Renard has a tricky test to get the balance right: achieve results but also look ahead. Another failure would increase the already substantial pressure surrounding Saudi Arabia.
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup has not been going well. After six games in the third round, Saudi Arabia have six points, with just that one win in China (courtesy of a last-minute Hassan Kadesh header) to look back on. With only the top two certain of going to the World Cup and Japan already nine points clear, the other five teams are separated by just a single point. It is going to be a brutal race for second and if the Green Falcons do not improve before March’s games then everything is in doubt.
The Gulf Cup is also important for Renard. The Frenchman returned in October to replace Roberto Mancini. Renard may only have ended his first spell just over 18 months earlier, but he needs time to get to grips with the team. His first game in November was a battling 0-0 draw in Australia, an encouraging start that was quickly followed by a 2-0 loss at the hands of Indonesia in Jakarta.
Against that background comes the Gulf Cup. There are no Saudi Pro League games meaning that, unlike last time, Renard will take his strongest side to compete in the eight-team tournament that is split into two groups of four with the top two going into the semis. Saudi Arabia are in Group B and kick off against Bahrain on Sunday — a rival for that second spot in World Cup qualification — before Yemen on Dec. 25 and Iraq three days later.
Even assuming, as expected, Yemen end up fourth and last, it should be a tough few days. Bahrain and Iraq will see this tournament the same way as Saudi — a chance to lift a trophy but also to get ready for March’s crucial qualifiers. Getting to the final is not just an objective in its own right but also means five competitive games and valuable preparation time.
The biggest issue for Saudi Arabia is obvious: goals, or rather the lack of them. Three scored in six qualifiers is a shocking statistic and none in the last four is even worse. Defender Kadesh scored twice from set pieces in the second matchday against China which followed Musab Al-Juwayr’s equaliser against Indonesia in the opening game. The strikers have not found the target at all. If these issues continue then Saudi Arabia are going to miss out on the World Cup.
Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri and Abdullah Al-Hamdan are all familiar names while Abdullah Radif is an increasingly regular face at international level. Renard needs to get these forwards firing, or at least one of them.
There is some encouraging news. In this week’s friendly, played behind closed doors to the media as well as fans, Saudi Arabia defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-1. Both Al-Shehri and Al-Hamdan were on target. With the poor results of late and the negative publicity around the team, it was perhaps a wise decision to make the match low-key and Renard will be hoping that his strikers now have a little more confidence.
The injury to Salem Al-Dawsari makes it all a little harder. The team’s talisman and best creative talent is likely to miss the early stages, meaning that others will have to step up. There may be a chance for some younger talents such as Ayman Fallatah, Abdulmalik Al-Oyayari, Abdulaziz Al-Othman and Mohammed Al-Qahtani to make a name for themselves but the old stalwarts at the back such as Ali Al-Bulaihi, Sultan Al-Ghannam (though these two missed training Wednesday due to minor ailments) and Yasser Al-Shahrani need to play their part.
In short, the pressure is on. The Gulf Cup could be the catalyst for change that Renard and Saudi Arabia are looking for after a disappointing 2024.
Saudi Arabia drives MENA e-commerce growth during festive season: report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in driving a 44 percent increase in e-commerce orders across the Middle East and North Africa region during the 2024 festive season, according to a joint study by Flowwow and Admitad.
The surge was fueled by trends in mobile shopping, cultural celebrations, and gifting. Saudi Arabia led the way in mobile commerce adoption, with 62 percent of online purchases made via mobile devices.
The report also highlighted significant growth in the broader MENA e-commerce market, which is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025. During the holiday season, this market experienced a substantial uptick in activity.
Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace, reported a 62 percent rise in purchases, an 86 percent increase in sales turnover, and a 15.76 percent increase in average order value compared to the previous year.
Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow, said: “The festive season is one of the peak shopping periods for Flowwow gifting marketplace. It’s a time when our customers focus on celebrating and sharing joy through thoughtful gifts for their loved ones.”
He continued: “Starting with White Friday in November and continuing through the Christmas and New Year festivities, this period represents a critical shopping time in the GCC region, especially with the growing expat population.”
According to the study, November emerged as the busiest month for e-commerce, driven by Black Friday sales and preparations for Christmas and New Year. Ramadan in March and International Women’s Day in January also contributed to sales growth, with increases of 11 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
Across the region, the average order value rose from $30 in 2023 to $36 in 2024, reflecting a shift toward higher spending on quality items.
The report further revealed that mobile commerce accounted for 44.6 percent of all orders in the region in 2024. Following Saudi Arabia’s lead, the UAE recorded 60 percent adoption, Bahrain had 59 percent, and Oman followed with 58 percent. Kuwait and Qatar also saw strong mobile commerce uptake at 57 percent and 54 percent, respectively.
Marketplaces continued to dominate, contributing to 67 percent of total sales. Key product categories included electronics, fashion, and home and garden, while high-value items like furniture and jewelry drove higher AOVs.
“This year’s surge in e-commerce activity demonstrates the evolving shopping habits in the MENA region, where mobile-first experiences and marketplace-driven sales have become the backbone of consumer behavior. Our data highlights how businesses can leverage these trends to optimize their strategies and grow significantly during peak seasons,” said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.
Among the countries in the region, Kuwait recorded the highest average order value at $127, followed by the UAE at $102, Egypt at $74, Saudi Arabia at $52, and Qatar at $50.
Pakistan saw the largest sales growth at 28 percent, with notable increases in Kuwait at 17 percent and Saudi Arabia at 8 percent, according to the survey data.
The report emphasized the importance of cultural celebrations in shaping consumer behavior and underscored the growing role of mobile commerce and marketplaces in the region’s e-commerce landscape.
UK to end Afghan refugee schemes
- Move is part of plan to clear backlog of asylum seekers in temporary accommodation
- No timeline yet in place but defense secretary says schemes cannot be ‘endless’
LONDON: The UK is to close its resettlement schemes for people fleeing Afghanistan, The Times reported.
Defense Secretary John Healey said the UK’s two programs for Afghans could not be “an endless process” as he laid out plans to move refugees out of temporary accommodation. He added that over 1,000 Afghan families have arrived in the UK in the past 12 months.
Though no time frame has been announced, the government aims to limit the amount of time Afghans can stay in hotels and other temporary housing to nine months.
The two refugee programs — the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy — were introduced in 2021 after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces.
Thousands of people were evacuated to the UK during an airlift mission known as Operation Pitting.
UK authorities have struggled to find suitable permanent housing solutions for many Afghan refugees due to the large size of typical Afghan families — more than double that of the average British family.
A total of 30,412 Afghans were eventually taken to the UK under the two schemes. Under ARAP, 2,729 Afghans were placed in temporary Ministry of Defense accommodation and a further 288 in Home Office housing, amid a broader backlog of over 100,000 asylum seekers requiring assistance in the UK — 35,651 of whom were put up in hotels.
Safe Passage International told The Times it is “concerned” by suggestions that the two resettlement schemes are set to close, adding that they have been a “lifeline to safety” for vulnerable Afghans.
The charity said “new safe routes” would need to be opened for Afghan refugees when the two schemes are shuttered.
Its CEO Wanda Wyporska said: “We’re concerned that the government is thinking about closing the safe pathways for Afghans, given there are no other working safe routes that can bring those fleeing the Taliban to safety here.
“We urgently need more detail on this so Afghans are not left in danger. We know there are many Afghans living in terror and under the threat of increasingly repressive Taliban rules, such as those oppressing women and girls.
“Afghans are already the top nationality crossing the Channel, so we fear without this safe route we will only see more people turning to smugglers to reach protection here.”
Saudi Arabia’s first cruise ship ‘AROYA’ sets sail on maiden voyage
The inaugural non-commercial voyage of AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line, set sail on Dec. 11, embarking on a three-night journey across the Red Sea with no fixed destination.
Offering a remarkable home-at-sea experience where luxury, comfort, and adventure seamlessly combine, AROYA offers a gateway to a world of discovery, blending Arabian hospitality with modern luxury.
This exclusive experience provided guests, including Saudi media representatives and social media influencers, with the unique opportunity to explore what it truly means to sail on Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line.
Turky Kari, executive director of marketing and corporate communications at AROYA, said: “Generosity and hospitality are core to our values. We want families to leave with memories of warmth, care, and the unique Arabian ‘kefa’ (generosity) that defines AROYA Cruises.”
“Part of Vision 2030 is to build a robust tourism industry, both domestic and international. AROYA Cruises is a reflection of that vision — Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line, designed to offer a uniquely Arabian experience,” Kari added.
With 19 decks, AROYA offers a luxury floating resort. The ship spans more than 330 meters and accommodates 1,678 cabins. Guests are treated to world-class dining, immersive entertainment, and exceptional concierge services. The ship is served by a crew of more than 1,500 individuals who manage all aspects of the vessel, from wings and engines to hotel operations, hospitality and restaurants, ensuring daily services.
A meticulously scheduled full-day program for guests is planned, ensuring that no minute of their stay is wasted. The daily itinerary includes a variety of activities catering to all age groups and tastes.
The cruise features a variety of accommodations, ranging from thoughtfully curated cabins to the elite Khuzama suites, offering guests the pinnacle of luxury. Khuzama’s offerings include 145 suites, including Royal Villas, which is among the largest in the cruise industry spanning across six bedrooms, as well as two Presidential Villas and Senior Suites.
The remaining 1,524 cabins are diverse, including interior cabins, sea-view cabins with windows overlooking the sea, and balcony cabins, with approximately 1,000 of these cabins featuring private balconies.
The experience aboard AROYA is a celebration of the Saudi culture and its regions. Walking through the corridors, guests are surrounded by 2,589 artworks, 60 percent of which are created by Saudi artists, reflecting the diversity and beauty of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
“Everything we provide, from the ship’s design to food, entertainment, and programming, is inspired by modern Arabian culture and tailored to the tastes of Arabian families,” Kari said.
The cruise also offers specially designed cabins for guests with disabilities, featuring a range of accommodations with varying dimensions and unique features to ensure both comfort and safety. These accessible cabins are equipped with wider doors, lower furniture, and adjustable features to cater to the specific needs of individuals with mobility challenges.
AROYA offers a diverse culinary experience with 12 restaurants and 17 lounges, catering to every taste. Among these is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, offering authentic local cuisine. The ship also includes specialty restaurants serving seafood, Italian, and Lebanese dishes, along with a unique “Sea Shisha” offering.
The ship features 20 entertainment venues, including The Atrium, Challenge Chambers, and Glitch VR. AROYA Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including broadway productions, comedy shows, and international dance performances. The cruise also showcases regional traditions, such as Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance performance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
AROYA Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, including exclusive trips around the Red Sea. Guests can embark on a three-night voyage departing from Jeddah, with prices starting at SR1,672 ($445).
“Starting Dec. 16, we offer exclusive itineraries, including private island trips and journeys to Egypt and Jordan. Special thematic cruises, such as the six-night Founding Day celebration in February, will bring fresh and unique experiences for our guests throughout the year,” Kari said.
Additionally, starting on Dec. 22, AROYA will set sail to Sharm Al-Sheikh, with future destinations including the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf by 2025.
“By 2025, we’ll take our remarkable Arabian experience to the Mediterranean, offering a unique East Mediterranean journey. We will soon cruise in the Mediterranean and stop by Türkiye and Greece,” Kari added.
AROYA Cruises is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Red Sea. “We are continuously exploring ways to preserve the Red Sea and its coral reefs, working with the relevant authorities to ensure we operate sustainably,” Kari said.
Launched in June 2023 as a part of Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises embodies the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030. The cruise line represents the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy and developing its tourism sector.
AROYA Cruises aims to become a leading player in the global tourism industry. By 2025, the cruise line will expand its itineraries, offering new routes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.
