World condemns Houthis as US says Iran ‘clearly enabled’ Jeddah oil attack

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Updated 27 March 2022
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World condemns Houthis as US says Iran ‘clearly enabled’ Jeddah oil attack

  • Calls for action against Houthi attacks on civilian targets
  • US pledges to work with Saudi Arabia to shore up defenses

RIYADH: Yemen’s Houthi militia were roundly condemned for an attack on a Saudi oil facility in Jeddah on Friday with the US implicating Iran for enabling the attack by supplying weapons to the group against international law.

“Unprovoked Houthi attacks against Saudi Aramco’s oil storage facilities in Jeddah as well as attacks against civil facilities in Jizan, Najran, and Dhahran are acts of terrorism aimed to prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people,” said Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor.

He accused Iran of facilitating the group’s actions by supplying weapons, which are against UN rules.

“Today’s attacks, just like the attacks against water treatment plants and energy infrastructure on March 19 and 20, were clearly enabled by Iran in violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the import of weapons into Yemen,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US will work with the Kingdom to strengthen defenses “while also seeking to advance a durable end to the conflict, improve lives, and create the space for Yemenis to determine their own future collectively.”

“At a time when the parties should be focused on de-escalation and bringing needed life-saving relief to the Yemeni people ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the Houthis continue their destructive behavior and reckless terrorist attacks striking civilian infrastructure.”

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for “restraint” on all sides and to “urgently reach a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.”.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Saturday.

The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said the fire in two tanks at the North Jeddah oil facility had been brought under control, and there were no casualties.

The Kingdom’s s civil defense said it has extinguished fires at two fuel storage tanks in Jeddah that were hit in the attack, state television reported on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, the coalition knocked down two drones over Yemeni territory that were on their way to the Kingdom. It said the launch location was an oil installation in Hodeidah, a city on the Red Sea coast. It also said that it carried out a strike in Sanaa.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen across Jeddah on Friday after the Houthi attack, a reminder of the Iran-backed group’s intent to destabilize international energy security. The militia, which seized the capital Sanaa in 2014 and continues to hold large parts of Yemen, has conducted regular attacks against civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom.

The Saudi-led coalition, which has been supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis, has intercepted numerous drones and missiles in the past.

An attack in Jeddah on March 19 caused a fire at an Aramco distribution center. A day later, the coalition destroyed an explosive-laden boat near Hodeidah, thwarting an imminent attack on shipping in the vital international maritime route.




The attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facility has been widely condemned. (AFP)

Previous attacks have also targeted airports in the Kingdom, causing harm to civilians.

In February, 12 civilians were injured by a drone attack targeting Abha airport. In October, ten people where injured at King Abdulaziz Airport in the southern city of Jazan, with another 16 injured by falling shrapnel following an attack at the same airport last month.

The Houthi militia has increased attacks against Saudi energy installations in recent weeks as Iran seeks to revive a nuclear deal that would allow it to begin selling oil again amid increased international energy demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Saudi energy ministry reiterated that it cannot bear responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies to global markets, in light of continuing attacks against its facilities. The ministry said the international community needs to realize the role of Iran in supporting the Houthis to target oil and gas production sites.




The smoke from the attack could be seen from the track. “I smell burning - is it my car?” said F1 world champion Max Verstappen on his team radio. (Reuters)

In a letter to the UN Security Council on Friday, Saudi Arabia said it reserves the right to defend itself against Houthi aggression.

 

 


Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US, tweeted: “The Iran backed terrorist Houthis continue to attack our civilians, infrastructure & energy facilities with Iranian made missiles & UAV’s with impunity. The international community must act against this aggression that targets innocent civilians and global energy supplies.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi condemned the attack on the Aramco facility during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. El-Sisi said Egypt stands in solidarity with the Kingdom to confront hostilities.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who visited the Kingdom last week, tweeted: “I fully condemn the latest Houthi attack against critical sites in Saudi Arabia, including in Jeddah. These strikes put civilian lives at risk and must stop.” His foreign secretary, Liz Truss, called the “abhorrent” attack a continuation of recent terror acts by the Houthis and urged an “immediate halt to the violence.”

 

 

The European Union said attacks against cities and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must stop, and the latest hostilities increase the risk of further escalation of the Yemen conflict and undermines ongoing efforts to end the war.
“The EU reiterates its call on all sides to participate in the Yemeni-Yemeni talks, starting on Tuesday, 29 March, in Riyadh under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The EU recalls its full support to the efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg,” said Peter Stabo, spokesman for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

 


The UAE, which has also faced attacks by the Houthi militia in the past, condemn Friday’s attack and called on the international community to stand against the repeated acts of aggression, calling for the coalition’s work against the group to be supported.

France, who condemned the group’s attack in the “strongest terms,” said the acts, which threaten the security of Saudi Arabia and the stability of the region, must stop, urging the Houthis to constructively engage with the Yemeni peace initiative under the UN.

 




The Saudi energy ministry reiterated that it cannot bear responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies to global markets. (AFP)

Bahrain said it backed all measures Saudi Arabia “deems necessary to maintain its security and stability against these deliberate and systematic attacks that are inconsistent with international humanitarian law.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait condemned the attack, which it referred to as a 'cowardly terrorist attack' that not only affects Saudi Arabia's security and regional stability, but the global energy supply. 

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent a message of solidarity to King Salman, strongly condemning the attacks and reiterated his country’s full solidarity with the Kingdom.
Canada also condemned the attacks and called on the Houthis to negotiate, reject violence and cease all attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his country's "sorrow" to Saudi Arabia following a wave of Yemen rebel attacks, in a rare public message to the country, with which it lacks formal ties.

"The State of Israel expresses its sorrow to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after the horrific attack by the Iranian-backed Huthis," Bennett wrote on Twitter.


Sudan said the Houthi attack represented a dangerous escalation in the region and said it supports the Kingdom against anything that endangers its security.
Palestine, Algeria, Pakistan, Poland, and Mauritania also released similar statements condemning the attacks.
Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the attack poses a grave threat to security in the region and global energy supplies. He urged the international community to take a tougher stand against the Houthi terror and as well as their ongoing violation of humanitarian laws.

 

Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, head of the Muslim World League, said the organization stood in solidarity with the Kingdom to protect civilians on its land.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions imposed on Moscow have caused crude prices to soar. The war in Ukraine, which entered its second month this week, has seen the Kremlin see reduced interest for its gas and oil as customers sought to avoid falling foul of international sanctions against Russia.

The main backer of the Houthis, Iran, is aiming to resurrect a nuclear deal with world powers that was scrapped by former US President Donald Trump.

US President Joe Biden has pledged to renew the deal, displeasing allies in the region who believe it rewards Iran, who supports the Houthis with weapons, for its destabilizing activities across the Middle East.

In Feb. 2021, Washington reversed Trump’s designation of the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization, but last month the UN Security Council stamped the group as terrorist.

Concern has also been growing among America’s regional allies that the US may remove Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from its blacklist of terrorist organizations as part of the nuclear deal.

The Revolutionary Guard control a business empire in Iran, as well as military and intelligence forces responsible for terrorist attacks throughout the world.

“The attempt to delist the IRGC as a terrorist organization is an insult to their victims and would ignore documented reality supported by unequivocal evidence,” said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in a statement.




This is the second time Saudi Arabia is hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Jeddah. (AFP)

Talks on the nuclear deal, however, have now paused after Russia wanted an agreement to allow Iran to be exempt from the international sanctions on Moscow. The US said the two issues are unrelated.

A finalized agreement would once again see Iran able to sell its oil freely on international markets, who are hungry for more supply.

The country may have as many as 65 to 80 million oil barrels on stationary tankers, Bloomberg reported, citing data from intelligence solutions provider Kpler.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the F1 Grand Prix this weekend in Jeddah. Race-goers could see a plume of black smoke from the attack in the distance during afternoon practice.

“I smell burning - is it my car?” said world champion Max Verstappen on his team radio, as he appeared one of the first drivers to notice the fumes in the air.




Dark smoke can be seen at the site of the attack on Friday. (AFP)

Despite the drama of the first day, organizers said the race will go ahead as scheduled: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in direct contact with the Saudi authorities,” promoter Saudi Motorsport Company said in a statement.

“The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”

This is the second time the Kingdom is hosting the event in the Red Sea city.  The race on Dec. 5, 2021, was won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after a dramatic stop-start contest with Dutchman Verstappen, who would later become world champion in the final race of the season, in Abu Dhabi.


Inside the Kingdom’s digitally powered vision for Hajj

Updated 7 sec ago
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Inside the Kingdom’s digitally powered vision for Hajj

  • A massive, tech-driven operation is ensuring a smooth, safe Hajj for millions

JEDDAH: With millions of pilgrims expected, Saudi Arabia is mobilizing a sophisticated, tech-driven operation for Hajj this year, leveraging one of the world’s most complex logistical efforts.

At the center is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, leading a nationwide push to upgrade digital infrastructure, streamline crowd management, and enforce permit regulations, all shaped by lessons from previous Hajj seasons.

Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that digital transformation remains at the heart of this strategy.

“Crowd management has been strengthened through collaboration with security forces, AI-powered monitoring at the Smart Makkah Operations Center, and updated visa gate protocols,” Alnwaimi added.

“The success of Hajj is not the result of a single entity, but a coordinated, government-wide effort,” Alnwaimi emphasized. “Various ministries and agencies work together across all stages to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.”

These government entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

A valid Hajj permit remains key to access and services. The “No Permit, No Hajj” campaign ensures that every pilgrim is registered, monitored, and fully supported throughout their journey.

Saudi Arabia also remains committed to an inclusive Hajj experience, serving pilgrims of all backgrounds through a multilingual outreach and tailored support. Over 300 awareness tools, including guides and instructional videos, cover health, rituals, safety, and logistics for global audiences.

On the ground, more than 167,000 trained personnel are deployed across 10 countries, offering support in 14 languages.

Health kits and educational materials, developed with the Ministry of Health, are available in at least eight languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.

These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to make Hajj more inclusive and accessible to Muslims worldwide.

The enhanced Nusuk ecosystem and its upgraded Nusuk Card now integrate mobility, security, and entry and exit procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

“For the 2025 season, more than 1.4 million smart cards have been issued,” said Alnwaimi. “Each card is linked to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 160 digital services.”

The Nusuk Card has become a central element of the digital Hajj ecosystem, enhancing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

The ministry has also implemented a multi-layered monitoring system to ensure the quality of services provided to registered pilgrims.

Operational contracts are formalized in advance through the Nusuk digital platform. During the Hajj season, more than 3,400 field inspections have been conducted to check compliance in areas such as accommodation, transport, catering, and general services.

“Digital tools are central to real-time oversight,” Alnwaimi explained. “The Nusuk Card and app support health and safety monitoring, while 24/7 support is available through Nusuk Care Centers and the Pilgrims’ Care Center hotline (1966), which handles inquiries and complaints.”

These smart cards also grant access to the holy sites, including the Grand Mosque, and securely store key personal data like health records and accommodation details. For elderly and vulnerable pilgrims, they link to wearable devices that transmit real-time data to medical teams, enabling swift emergency response.

The app integrates features like real-time crowd alerts, smart navigation, health data sharing, and multilingual artificial intelligence-powered translation. It offers more than 150 religious FAQs, 160 prayers and supplications, 250 educational resources, and over 200 personalized alerts throughout the pilgrimage.

“The app offers real-time maps with over 20,000 key locations across the holy sites,” added Alnwaimi. “(Nusuk app) reflects how faith and technology are coming together to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of Hajj.”

One of the ministry’s standout initiatives is the Makkah Route program, which simplifies visa, health, and customs procedures for around 249,000 pilgrims before they even depart their home countries.

Through this program, pilgrims complete all required steps, including electronic visa issuance, biometric registration, and health verification at designated airports abroad. Their luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation details in Saudi Arabia.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are taken directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery.

Currently, the Makkah Route operates in eight countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Maldives.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopts a data-driven approach to tracking pilgrim satisfaction in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

“After Hajj, feedback is collected through direct testimonials, structured surveys, and digital platforms, providing valuable insights into each pilgrim’s experience,” Alnwaimi said. “We are pleased to share that the satisfaction rate has steadily increased from 74 percent in 2022 to 78 percent in 2023, and now to 81 percent in 2024.”


Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

Updated 13 min 17 sec ago
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Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

  • Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked Wednesday on pilgrimage
  • The mosque’s backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Namirah Mosque near Mount Arafat, an essential holy site for Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, with thousands of square meters of carpets.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Wednesday that Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked on Wednesday on pilgrimage.

The mosque was furnished with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets to provide comfort for Hajj pilgrims, while its backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius.

Reflective paint was applied to the floor, and 117 fog fans were installed in the surrounding courtyards to reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius, the ministry added.

Namirah Mosque is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, which begins on the evening of June 4 and ends on June 5. Afterward, the pilgrims will proceed to the holy sites of Muzdalifah and Mina.

The ministry has upgraded the mosque’s ventilation, air conditioning and purification system to monitor carbon dioxide levels and to allow for 100 percent air renewal every 30 minutes.

To create a healthier environment for pilgrims, the ministry has installed 70 water chillers; each unit can serve up to 2,000 pilgrims an hour, with a total capacity of quenching the thirst of 140,000 pilgrims an hour. In addition, it has updated the site’s audio system and security surveillance cameras.

Namirah Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating nearly 400,000 worshippers at once. It features 72 gates and entrances. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon at this site.


Pilgrims arrive in Mina as Saudi Arabia mobilizes services for Hajj peak

Updated 43 min 57 sec ago
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Pilgrims arrive in Mina as Saudi Arabia mobilizes services for Hajj peak

  • More than 1.4 million pilgrims confirmed to have arrived from outside the Kingdom
  • On first day in Mina, known as Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims typically spend night in preparation for journey to Arafat

MINA: With the number of worshippers approaching two million, pilgrims on Wednesday arrived in Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, preparing for the most important day of Hajj — the Day of Arafat — on June 5.

These pilgrims are following the steps of Prophet Mohammed by spending Tarwiyah Day in Mina on Wednesday this year, making their final preparations for the Standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, tomorrow.

In compliance with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, various service sectors mobilized their capabilities to help the pilgrims perform Hajj rituals in tranquility and peace.

With more than 1.4 million pilgrims confirmed to have arrived from outside the Kingdom, the pilgrims’ movements into Mina proceeded smoothly in accordance with a comprehensive traffic plan. The plan covered all main routes and was supported by aerial security surveillance to ensure the orderly progression of this critical phase of the pilgrimage.

In weather conditions of about 41°C, the ministry urged all pilgrims to familiarize themselves with its hospitals and medical centers should they require health assistance, wherever they are in the holy sites, emphasizing that everything is available to ensure their health and safety.

On the first day in Mina, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims typically spend the night there in preparation for their journey to Arafat the next day. With their prayers shortened, they devote their time to supplicating Allah and chanting the Talbiyah — a proclamation of their intention to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of the Almighty. This is traditionally recited aloud and in groups upon entering the state of ihram. 

The relevant security and health authorities, alongside other government and private organisations, had earlier intensified their plans and preparations to ensure the smooth performance of Hajj rituals, all under the direct supervision and close monitoring of the Saudi leadership.

Khalid Al-Tala, the spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Health, provided key updates during a press conference on June 3, highlighting several pioneering health initiatives launched for the current Hajj season.

Among the most notable is the use of drone technology to accelerate the delivery of medical aid to remote areas — an innovative approach the ministry says is the first of its kind globally.

Al-Tala said that the current health status of pilgrims was reassuring, with no recorded cases of epidemics or major health concerns reported to date.

As of the seventh day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the ministry has delivered more than 98,000 health services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and intensive treatments.

He further announced the establishment of three additional field hospitals, providing a combined capacity of 1,200 beds. The ministry has also set up 71 emergency response points, deployed 900 ambulances, and added 11 medical evacuation aircraft to support healthcare operations during the pilgrimage.

Advanced medical services have also been activated, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology and virtual health consultations. The ministry’s 937 call center operates round the clock in numerous languages to assist pilgrims.

Since the beginning of the Hajj season, Al-Tala said, more than 1.4 million pilgrims have benefited from preventive health services at entry points, provided in coordination with various medical mission clinics.

The spokesman said that their medical teams have successfully performed 16 open-heart surgeries, 148 cardiac catheterizations, and handled 62 cases of heat exhaustion. 

He added that, with the participation of more than 50,000 medical and technical personnel, bed capacity has been increased by 60 percent compared with last year.

Speaking to Arab News, Fatima Al-Sayed, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that the organization and services provided by the Saudi authorities in Mina are truly commendable.

“From the moment we arrived, we have felt a strong sense of care and preparedness. The tents are well equipped, clean and air-conditioned, ensuring our comfort in the heat,” she said.

Al-Sayed added that medical services are readily available, security personnel are visible and helpful, and food and water are distributed efficiently.

“The crowd management and transportation arrangements are smooth, especially given the large number of pilgrims. We are deeply grateful for the efforts made to ensure our safety and to help us perform our rituals with ease and peace of mind.” she said. 

Situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah, Mina lies about seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. It is part of the Haram, or sacred boundary, and is encircled by mountains to the north and south. It is uninhabited throughout the year, except during the Hajj season, when it becomes a focal point of the pilgrimage.

On the Makkah side, Mina is bordered by the Jamarat area, while on the opposite side it adjoins the Valley of Muhassir.

Muhassir gets its name from a significant historical incident — it is believed to be where the elephant of Abraha the Abyssinian halted during his failed attempt to destroy the Kaaba around the year 570 — an event known in Islamic tradition as the Year of the Elephant, which coincides with the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad.


Kingdom launches first mobile stroke unit for Hajj

Updated 04 June 2025
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Kingdom launches first mobile stroke unit for Hajj

  • Initiative aims to save lives with rapid on-site stroke care during pilgrimage

MAKKAH: In a healthcare milestone for pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has deployed a mobile stroke unit for the first time at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during this year’s Hajj.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, an emergency medicine consultant and executive director of Ajyad Hospital, told Arab News that the unit was a state-of-the-art ambulance designed specifically for stroke cases, aiming to reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment — without the need for hospital transport.

“The unit can quickly access difficult locations and provide immediate care on-site, improving recovery and saving lives,” he said.

It is equipped with a CT scanner, an intravenous contrast system and clot-dissolving medications. A remote communication system with high-speed internet and a 360-degree camera allows consultants to monitor patients in real time from anywhere.

The team at the mobile stroke unit comprises a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiologist and paramedic.

The unit is the result of a collaboration between Health Holding Co., via the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, with support from the Ministry of Health.

Al-Harthi said that the unit was designed to treat one patient at a time, with diagnosis and treatment typically completed within 15 minutes. It has already proven effective in several cases.

He shared an example of a 60-year-old Ugandan pilgrim who recently arrived at Al-Haram Emergency Hospital with slurred speech and one-sided weakness. The pilgrim had collapsed inside the Grand Mosque due to a hemorrhage, prompting an immediate response.

The patient was transferred to the mobile unit, where imaging was done and clot-dissolving treatment was administered. His condition improved within minutes.

“The patient was later moved to King Abdulaziz Hospital for intensive care, and within two days he showed remarkable recovery and expressed a desire to continue his pilgrimage,” Al-Harthi said. “This highlights the importance of timely intervention in preserving brain function.”

He praised the Ministry of Health and the Makkah Health Cluster for introducing this advanced technology during Hajj, crediting its success to strong coordination among government agencies.

The unit was deployed to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital on Tuesday as part of a broader strategy to ensure top-quality medical care for pilgrims, allowing them to complete their rituals safely and comfortably.

Every year, tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims benefit from services provided by health centers and hospitals at the holy sites.

Saudi Arabia deploys about 50,000 healthcare and other professionals to work 24 hours a day during Islam’s most important gathering.


Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims

Updated 04 June 2025
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Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims

  • Syrian minister of endowments conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the Saudi leadership
  • An estimated 22,500 Syrians have embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday

LONDON: Syrian Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and care for pilgrims during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Makkah on Wednesday.

An estimated 22,500 Syrians embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, which ends on June 9.

Shukri emphasized the importance of cooperation to help pilgrims perform their rituals smoothly during Hajj, reaffirming Syrian pilgrims’ commitment to following Saudi instructions and regulations.

The minister conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the Saudi leadership. Al-Sharaa spoke this week with Syrian pilgrims in Makkah during a video call and asked them to act as “messengers of Syria” and show a good example during the Hajj.

Al-Rabiah expressed hope for stability and tranquility in Syria, according to the SANA news agency.