RIYADH: Top defense officials from the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) on Sunday agreed to boost its military capabilities to dismantle terrorist organizations.
At a high-profile conference in Riyadh, they also agreed to step up cooperation to cut off financial support to terror groups, and stressed the importance of empowering the media and investing in digital platforms to combat extremist ideology and propaganda.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the IMCTC Ministers of Defense Council’s maiden meeting on Sunday under the slogan “Allied against terrorism.”
In his keynote speech, he vowed to “pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth.”
He said: “The greatest danger terrorism and extremism have achieved is not the killing of innocents or the spread of hatred (but) the distorting of our faith.”
He added: “Today we began to pursue terrorism, and today we see defeats in many countries around the world, especially in Islamic countries, and we shall be those who assure its disappearance from the face of the earth.”
The crown prince offered his condolences to Egypt, which suffered a terror attack on a mosque in North Sinai that killed 305 people.
“This is indeed a painful event, and it is a recurrent and strong reminder of the dangers of this terrorism,” he said.
Sunday’s final declaration “stressed importance of the military role in combating terrorism, enhancing security and peace in the Coalition member countries, and contributing to regional and international security and peace.”
The declaration said: “Terrorism has become deadlier than ever before, particularly in our Islamic world, which suffers from the crimes of terrorism, inflicting heavy losses in property and lives, and has shattered the dreams of broad sectors of societies trying to live in peace and tranquility.”
The defense ministers reaffirmed their determination “to work with every possible means to confront extremism and terrorism.”
They “renewed their determination to address terrorism through education and knowledge, to highlight correct Islamic concepts, and to establish the truth of moderate Islam, which is consistent with human nature and common values.”
The defense ministers agreed to appoint IMCTC officials, including a secretary-general, while member countries will be entrusted with nominating their delegates.
The council will meet annually and whenever necessary to follow up on the strategies, policies, plans and programs to achieve the IMCTC’s objectives.
The ministers emphasized the importance of draining the sources of terrorist financing, and cutting off any financial support for terror operations and activities.
“This can be achieved by coordinating efforts to combat terrorist funding and shutting down the flow permanently,” said the declaration, calling for more action to improve compliance with international standards.
Gen. Raheel Sharif, military commander of the IMCTC, said: “The greatest challenge to peace and stability in the 21st century, especially in the Islamic world, is to address the most serious phenomenon in the world: Terrorism.”
He added that “terrorist organizations have distorted the concept of jihad in Islam” and threaten “world peace in order to achieve their destructive goals.”
Sharif said: “Our aim today is to unite and work together in order to beat and crush terrorism and its extremist ideology.”
Allied against terror: Islamic coalition agree to boost military capabilities against threats
Allied against terror: Islamic coalition agree to boost military capabilities against threats
British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia
- Alice Morrison featured AlUla in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on BBC
- Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey
RIYADH: British explorer and television presenter Alice Morrison is preparing for a groundbreaking expedition that will see her traverse Saudi Arabia on foot, becoming the first person to journey from the Kingdom’s far north to its far south, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Her ambitious five-month trek begins on Jan. 1, covering a distance of 2,500 km.
Accompanied by local guides and camels, Morrison will navigate Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrains, including its deserts, oases, and mountains.
Her journey is driven by three key objectives: to uncover new landmarks and historical insights, to spotlight the significant role of Saudi women in society, and to showcase the nation’s natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts, SPA added.
“I have been studying Arabic and the Middle East for 45 years,” she said as she reflected on her upcoming adventure. “Now, I get to explore the heart of Arabia.”
By retracing ancient caravan routes, Morrison said she is aiming to shed light on the historical narratives that defined the region while offering fresh perspectives on a nation undergoing rapid transformation and modernization.
A significant milestone on her route will be AlUla, a location steeped in history and heritage. This destination is familiar to Morrison, who featured it in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on the BBC.
“The route I am taking is stuffed with history, so I’ll be searching for new sites. I’m also walking through climate change and will be recording my findings,” she explained. “The desert is a harsh mistress, and I am sure she will be teaching me many lessons along the route.”
Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey, dedicating time to hear their stories and share their experiences.
“As a female explorer, I am willing to spend time with Saudi women telling their stories,” Morrison said, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local communities.
At 61, Morrison sees her expedition as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age, and a means of fostering greater interest in and understanding of the Kingdom.
“I am a mid-life woman, and I hope my adventure inspires others to get out and follow their dreams. I couldn’t have attempted this at 25; I needed the life experience to get me here.”
Drug smuggling and trafficking networks dismantled: Saudi interior ministry source
- The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions
- Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution
RIYADH: Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled and their members arrested, an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has said.
The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions, through King Khalid International Airport and Farasan Island.
The 13 members of the networks include a Ministry of Interior employee, four employees from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, two Ministry of Defense employees, and three residents of Yemeni and Syrian nationalities.
Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities will crack down on anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of the Kingdom and that of its citizens and residents.
Saudi program to train future ambassadors of moderation globally
- 60 students from 40 countries selected; initiative backed by $1m in contributions from Saudi endowments, foundations
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan recently inaugurated the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness program for scholarship students in Saudi Arabia.
Launched at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Riyadh, the program is supervised by both ministries, Saudi universities and donor institutions in the nonprofit sector.
Al-Asheikh said that the program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, and aligns with its vision to promote moderation based on solid principles and authentic traditions.
The program combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical applications to train select international students at Saudi universities as ambassadors of moderation within their communities, he added.
The fellowship represents an integrated training system that fosters cognitive and leadership excellence, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges and contribute to a cooperative and prosperous future.
President of King Abdulaziz University Tareef Al-Alaama said that the fellowship was launched in the summer with support from the Endowment of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for His Parents and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The program attracted significant interest, with about 300 male and female students from various nationalities applying. After a thorough nomination and selection process, 60 people from 40 countries were selected.
Ten seats are reserved in honor of the minister of Islamic affairs for exceptional students from Muslim minority communities worldwide, recognizing their efforts in promoting moderation and combating hatred and extremism.
In conjunction with the program’s launch, the General Authority of Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing and the Al-Rajhi Endowment pledged almost SR4 million ($1 million) to support the initiative.
The contributions highlight the program’s role in promoting the values of moderation, in line with the ministry’s mission and the directives of Saudi leadership.
Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia
- Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations
DUBAI: Foreign Minister of the transitional government in Syria, Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
“We look forward to building strategic relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields,” read a statement posted on the Syrian Arab News Agency's X account.
Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations, and has emphasized the importance of building strategic ties in all fields, SANA reported.
He added, “I am honored to represent my country and look forward to this opportunity to enhance cooperation and dialogue.”
It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.
“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.
Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.
Earlier this month, a high-ranking Saudi delegation headed by an advisor to the Royal Court visited Syria and met with Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir
- Certified trainers are on hand to provide guidance on horseback riding and archery
RIYADH: Horseback riding and target sports are popular attractions at the Muhayil festival in the Asir region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Held in Muhayil governorate, 80 km northwest of Abha, the festival offers entertainment, sports and shopping.
Horse riding instructor Salma Mohammed said the activities, part of the Muhayil Asir winter program, have drawn significant interest, especially from children.
Mohammed and other trainers teach how to handle horses, offer guided rides, and provide instruction in archery and air-rifle use.
Mohammed, a lifelong horse enthusiast, became a qualified instructor after completing specialized training.
Bandar Al-Hilali, owner of the festival’s horse stable, said the goal is to highlight the significance of horses and teach basic riding and target shooting with the aid of certified trainers.
Horseback riding instruction covers balance, rein handling, calming techniques, and track riding. Archery training includes proper shooting methods and friendly competitions. Participants also learn the basics of air-rifle marksmanship.
Muhayil governorate, in the Tihama Asir region, is experiencing notable economic and tourism growth due to its mild winter climate, attracting visitors from the highlands.
