Behind enemy lines: Rescue drama of Saudi jet pilots stranded on hostile land

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The rescued pilots Abdullah Al-Zir, right, and Fahd Al-Haqbani were taken to Najran hospital for treatment. (SPA)
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The task of carrying out the mission fell to Rescue Squadron 99, part of the RSAF based at King Khalid Air Base. The squadron specializes in conducting operations in war zones and hostile territories, to rescue pilots or free soldiers or civilians.
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The Cougars can carry 20 passengers, can be refueled in the air and are equipped with heavy weapons, including a rocket launcher and two heavy machine guns.
Updated 25 January 2018
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Behind enemy lines: Rescue drama of Saudi jet pilots stranded on hostile land

When a Royal Saudi Air Force jet ran into mechanical problems in the skies over northern Yemen, the crew were forced to eject in hostile territory. What followed was a difficult and complex rescue mission that tested the bravery and professionalism of the RSAF personnel to the limits. This exclusive account was given to Arab News by sources with inside knowledge of the mission.

JEDDAH: Everything seemed to be going smoothly when Capt. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Haqbani and his co-pilot Capt. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Zir crossed into Yemeni airspace.
It was the middle of the afternoon on Jan. 7 and the crewmen were flying their Tornado jet on a combat mission as part of the Arab coalition fighting Houthi rebels.
Their progress was being monitored by members of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) at King Khalid Air Base near Khamis Mushait. Little did the staff know that the next half hour was going to turn into a battle for the men’s survival.
At 3:26 p.m., the base picked up a signal from the warplane. The Tornado had suffered a technical fault with its oxygen system. Without an oxygen supply to the cockpit, the pilots faced the potentially fatal risk of suffocation or passing out.
Further signals to the air base came from the seat of the pilot, Al-Haqbani. It told the staff at King Khalid Air Base that the two men had ejected. Three seconds later, their jet disappeared from the ground crew’s radar screens.
It is hard to know what the pilot and co-pilot would have been thinking as they drifted down toward the ground in Saada province, a remote and mountainous part of Yemen controlled by Houthi militants.
The Iran-backed rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, plunging the country into chaos and sparking the war. The group would show little mercy to two pilots from Saudi Arabia, which has led the bombing campaign to defeat the Houthis and restore the internationally recognized government.
Back at King Khalid Air Base, the ground controller who had received the signals immediately informed his colleagues that something was wrong.
The atmosphere inside the control room was tense and the staff anxious about the crew’s fate.
The information that one of their jets had gone missing was passed up the chain to the relevant authorities and a detailed rescue plan was immediately drawn up based on the worst-case scenario — that the two men had been captured by hostile forces.
The rescuers were aided by the fact that Al-Haqbani, an experienced and respected pilot, had activated a transmitter, which would continue to send signals for more than 24 hours.
The task of carrying out the mission fell to Rescue Squadron 99, part of the RSAF based at King Khalid Air Base. The squadron specializes in conducting rescue operations in war zones and hostile territories.
The team sprung into action knowing that this was not one of the many simulated recoveries which they had practiced over and over. This squadron includes an attachment of highly skilled Marines.
“This is your day,” the squadron leader shouted to his colleagues as they raced to get ready.
The team raced to their state-of-the-art Cougar Combat Search and Rescue helicopters with only one thing on their minds: Rescuing their comrades safely from the enemy and bringing them back home.
The Cougars can carry 20 passengers, can be refueled in the air and are equipped with heavy weapons, including a rocket launcher and two heavy machine guns.
The rescue operation was led by the commander of King Khalid Air Base, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Fa’iz. He ordered two F15c fighter jets to the crash site to provide air cover. The plan was to make the enemy think that air strikes were on the way to scare them off and force them to hide while the rescue operation took place.
Apache attack helicopters were also sent to protect the rescue team and another six F15 fighter jets were also sent to the site, one of which arrived minutes before the rescue helicopters.
Soon after arriving in the area, the F15 pilot picked up the signal from Al-Haqbani, and managed to establish communication with him through the advanced equipment in the Tornado’s ejection seats.
The news that Al-Haqbani had not only survived but was not yet in the hands of the enemy was met with overwhelming joy back at the air base. He managed to relay his exact position to his rescuers.

Al-Haqbani suffered fractures to his hand and foot but his immediate concern was for his co-pilot Al-Zir.
After ejecting, Al-Zir had parachuted down to the top of a mountain. Al-Zir was spotted by one of the Cougar helicopters after he signaled for their attention. The Marines on board the helicopter managed to reach him and get him to the aircraft.
With the two men onboard the helicopters, and headed toward Saudi territory, the rescuers sent a message to base saying the “two pilots are in the basket.”
In total, it took just 20 minutes from the initial warning signal for Rescue Squadron 99 to locate and collect the two airmen.
A sense of relief and joy spread through the rescue crews and the team members at the air base.
Throughout the operation, the RSAF’s advanced surveillance network ensured the skies around the area of the rescue remained safe.
The rescuers crossed the border into Saudi Arabia and arrived in Najran at 5:50 p.m. — less than two and a half hours after the alarm was sounded.
During their return, one of the Cougar helicopters was targeted with ground fire but was not damaged.
The rescued pilots were taken to Najran hospital for treatment.
The Houthis tried to falsely claim they had shot down the aircraft but the truth was that a technical fault in a highly sophisticated warplane had caused the pilots to eject.
What unfolded thereafter was a test of the professionalism, experience and training of the RSAF personnel that will be written into Saudi military history.


Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Updated 10 sec ago
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Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

  • The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14

RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.

They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.

“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (Supplied)

Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in Saudi Arabia. “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.

Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.

“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”

HIGHLIGHT

Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.

Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.

The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy and open to the world.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)

“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.

Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.

With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.

The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.

 


Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

Updated 48 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

  • Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss outcomes from recent high-level summits and meetings.

Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday and the crown prince’s engagements with leaders from various countries.

The cabinet praised the summit’s outcomes and welcomed its signing of the Tripartite Mechanism Document to Support Palestine, a joint initiative by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission.

The cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people as they face the severe humanitarian effects of the ongoing Israeli military action. It called on countries around the world to join an international coalition advocating for the two-state solution — a plan initiated this year by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the European Union and Norway.

During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on his recent discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump.

The minister of media announced that the cabinet expressed its appreciation for the Kingdom’s Arab Week at UNESCO initiative, hosted at UN headquarters in Paris, for enhancing cultural dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities.

On domestic matters, council members commended the reception of the Saudi medical team that accomplished the world’s first complete robotic heart transplant. 

It also celebrated the success of the Beban 24 Forum’s 10th edition in Riyadh, which produced agreements and initiatives exceeding SR35.4 billion ($9.42 billion) aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and enhancing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national gross domestic product.


Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

Updated 33 sec ago
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Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

  • Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report

RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 18th periodic meeting of the Speakers of the Shoura Councils, Houses of Representatives, and National Assemblies of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report.

The Kingdom’s delegation included Secretary-General of the Shoura Council Mohammed Dakhil Al-Mutiri and members of the Shoura Council Fadel bin Saad Al-Buainain and Dr. Arwa bint Obaid Al-Rashid, among others.

 

 


Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

Updated 12 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

  • Kingdom’s defense industry aims to forge global partnerships at Zhuhai event
  • Defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030

RIYADH: Military products and the achievements of both government bodies and national companies are highlighted at the Saudi pavilion at this year’s China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

Airshow China 2024, one of the world’s largest aviation expos, started in Zhuhai on Tuesday and will run until Nov. 17.

The Saudi pavilion features military products, particularly in aviation, and turns the spotlight on national companies that work in military industries. It also underscores efforts to boost national manufacturing capabilities and the aim of localizing over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.

Launching events at the pavilion was the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Al-Ohali, who was joined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and the Saudi ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi. Other officials, international investors and aviation and aerospace decision-makers were also present.

Al-Ohali said: “This strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations.

“Our participation also seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom’s message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector.”

The defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, with a $9 billion addition to non-oil revenues. This will generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.

The Saudi pavilion features government bodies such as the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, as well as public national companies such as the National Company for Mechanical Systems, Saudi Wakeb Company for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Milestone Aviation, and Homat Al-Watan Co.

The General Authority for Military Industries works closely with partners and government bodies to empower national and international companies in the military industry, enhance the defense sector’s potential, and create investment opportunities.

It also focuses on localizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies to support Saudi economic growth and strengthen defense and security independence.


‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

Updated 12 November 2024
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‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

  • The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, it is also taking significant strides toward environmental stewardship.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is organizing the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Technologies’ second annual “Greening Arabia” event, which will run from Dec. 2-13.
The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, featuring participation from government bodies, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and leading experts from around the globe.
Attendees will include prominent local and international companies specializing in cutting-edge afforestation technologies, making it a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in combating desertification and drought.
IEFAT is a pivotal platform for discovering new environmental, economic, and knowledge-based opportunities.
The forum fosters strategic partnerships that can drive impactful change by bringing together diverse stakeholders — from environmental and renewable energy industries to sustainable enterprises and non-profits.
“Greening Arabia” aims to harness advanced technologies to enhance afforestation in arid environments and rehabilitate degraded lands.
The event will encourage participation in the Saudi Green Initiative, empowering local and international communities to embrace afforestation as a vital practice. It will also showcase innovative tools and methodologies, giving specialized companies the chance to present their groundbreaking products and projects.
Participants will engage in discussions on best practices in environmental economics, creating a shared vision for a sustainable future. The forum will identify investment opportunities in greening technologies and vegetation cover.
The COP16 president, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come.”
He made his statement at the “Road to Riyadh” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 27.
“It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources,” added Al-Fadley.
He noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 reflects its commitment to both domestic and international environmental preservation and restoration, highlighting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative.