Saudi Arabia has deployed thousands of troops and set up extra barricades, infrared cameras and radar systems along its 850-km border with Iraq to counter the threat from the Islamic State (IS) and Shiite militias, according to recent local reports.
This comes in the wake of the IS or its Arabic acronym Daish, taking control of several towns on the Iraqi-Syrian border last month. The group's leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, later announced himself a caliph.
Since the IS attacks, Riyadh has sent thousands of troops to the area, to further beef up the already fortified border with walls and barricades. The closed area extends 10 km into Saudi territory. There is 24-hour surveillance of the area with radar and infrared cameras.
Over 1,000 soldiers, 1,000 border guards, and three units of helicopters have been deployed to reinforce the area near Arar since the advancement of the IS, according to Gen. Faleh Al-Subaie, commander of the Saudi Border Guard in the area.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah last month pledged to take “all necessary measures” to protect the Saudi people from both the Sunni IS group, which has been classified a terrorist organization, and the Shiite militias in Iraq, even though the latter have mobilized their forces to fight the rebels.
Saudi officials have not disclosed the number of additional military personnel sent to the border, but some media reports have put the number at over 30,000 men.
Although alarmed by the advancement of the IS, Saudi officials believe that the Shiite militias, that are allied to the governments in Bagdad and Iran, are the bigger threat.
“DAISH is not that important, it is only a terrorist group without any military capabilities. The most important force and threat is the organized Shiite militias with some other party behind their plans,” said Al-Subaie.
While there is heavy commercial traffic over the border between Syria and Iraq, this is not the case with the Saudi-Iraqi border. The border point near Arar was last opened in October to allow 65,000 Iraqi pilgrims to enter for Haj.
Once the border crossing is closed, the area and roads leading into Iraq is overrun with weeds and wild plants, with heavy dust gathering on the customs building.
It is extremely difficult to get through the barriers and walls. Since the establishment of the reinforced defenses two years ago, only 12 people were caught trying to illegally cross the border, according to Saudi officials.
One border guard, wearing a grey stone-patterned camouflage uniform, said that Saudi personnel have seen more activity among the ranks of their counterparts on the other side of the border.
Last week three rockets were fired from the Iraqi side toward a residential complex housing Saudi border guards.
Al-Subaie said he does not know who fired the rockets but believed they were meant to provoke a violent response. “We have strict orders not to respond by firing back,” he said.
“Some say we should find out who fired the rockets and retaliate, but our government refuses and says we should be more alert and maintain peace and security in the area.”
Al-Subaie said the Iraqi border guards have told the Saudi government that they discovered three abandoned vehicles on their side. The vehicles were apparently used to launch the three Grad rockets. Five more rockets were found in the vehicles.
One Shiite militia announced last November that it had fired Grad rockets into Saudi territory near the border with Kuwait. This was from a desert area with the closest town, Al-Nukhay, about 80 km away, still under the control of the Iraqi government. The land to the north east of the town is under the control of DAISH. The Najaf governorate, the stronghold of the Shiite militias, is located south of the town.
Capt. Sultan Al-Mutairi of the Border Guard said they are not sure who fired the Grad rockets. “It could be DAISH, the Shiite militias or other groups. There are so many terrorist groups in Iraq, it is a total mess out there in that country.”
Kingdom reinforces border with Iraq
Kingdom reinforces border with Iraq
Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan
- Saudi Arabia to 'provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people'
- Ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan date back to 1932
RIYADH: The Saudi embassy in the Afghani capital, Kabul, resumed its diplomatic activities on Sunday.
"Based on the desire of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22," the embassy posted on X platform on Sunday.
Ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan date back to 1932 when the Kingdom became the first Islamic country to provide aid to the Afghan people during their ordeals.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia launched numerous projects in Afghanistan through its humanitarian arm KSRelief, focusing on aid relief, health, education services, water and food security.
Riyadh also participated in all international donor conferences and called for establishing security and stability in Afghanistan following years of armed conflicts.
Saudi Arabia withdrew its diplomats from Kabul in August 2021 when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal from the country.
However, it said it was resuming consular services in the country in November 2021 and also provides humanitarian aid through its King Salman Relief Center organization.
Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa
- Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: A Saudi delegation headed by an advisor from the Royal Court met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, at the People’s Palace in Syria on Sunday, according to an Al Arabiya report.
Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.
“We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria,” he told the newspaper’s Bissane El-Cheikh during an interview the the Presidential Palace in Damascus.
“There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals,” he added.
Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art
- Aseel Al-Maghlouth breaks glass to break through in the local art scene
RIYADH: Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth is hammering a niche for himself by using glass as his canvas.
He stumbled upon the technique while working on his graduation project in mechanical engineering. “I discovered the potential to employ broken glass to create distinctive artistic designs,” he told Arab News.
The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired him to create shapes and visuals and developed a technique that reflected his artistic vision.
Al-Maghlouth had a love for drawing from a young age, but it was not until he discovered his ability to express ideas in unconventional ways that his true passion for art crystallized.
“I have always drawn inspiration from the surrounding nature and the intricate details of daily life,” he said. This connection to his environment, combined with his experiences in exploring artworks, helped shape his unique style.
He finds beauty in the mundane and translates that into his creations, often using glass to convey emotions and narratives that might resonate with viewers.
HIGHLIGHT
By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth challenges perceptions of what art can be.
Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired.
This newfound fame has allowed him to sell his works and create custom pieces for clients, including various artists and celebrities. “Creating for such esteemed individuals is an honor, and it motivates me to push my artistic boundaries,” he said.
“The best work I own is the painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Frankly, I consider it the most valuable painting I have ever owned, but I refuse to sell it because it was a special gift from me to the crown prince,” he said.
“I have received many offers but I refuse to sell it. As for the rest of my paintings, I prefer not to mention the prices because the value of art for me is not limited to a number. Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.”
One of the greatest challenges Al-Maghlouth faced as an artist was transforming his creations into messages that resonated with his audience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that my art conveyed a clear idea,” he said.
I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030.
Aseel Al-Maghlouth, Saudi artist
Through experimentation with the nature of glass fractures and the control of his technique, he minimized errors and created pieces that told meaningful stories.
Each strike of the hammer is deliberate, aimed at producing not just a fragment but a narrative that can be interpreted and appreciated by those who view it.
“I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030,” he added, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in his work.
Al-Maghlouth’s vision for the future is ambitious. He aspires to participate in international exhibitions, representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage. “I dream of organizing a personal exhibition in Riyadh to showcase my works and exchange inspiration with other artists,” he said.
For emerging artists, Al-Maghlouth has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Each piece of art reflects a part of you.”
He encourages newcomers to continue developing and learning from every experience, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
His journey is testament to the idea that creativity flourishes in an environment where risks are taken and failures viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
Al-Maghlouth’s work serves as a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials and methods, encouraging others to explore their creativity without constraints.
By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, he challenges perceptions of what art can be.
Al-Maghlouth remains committed to honoring the stories behind each piece, proving that even the most broken fragments can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks
- Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council
RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.
During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.
He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.
Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.
The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.
Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project
- The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers
RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.
The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.
On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”
With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.
It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.
About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.
Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.
He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.
“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.
The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.
These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.
