Middle East

The battle for al-Aqsa 'has just started'

Aug 23: A month after protests over new Israeli security measures at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound rocked occupied East Jerusalem, the tension between the Old City's Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces is still simmering due to Israel's policy of...

Iraq launches offensive to retake Tal Afar from ISIL

Iraq, Aug 20: Iraqi forces have launched a ground offensive to retake a key ISIL-held area in the northern part of the country, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said.

"You either surrender, or die", Abadi said in a televised speech...

Saudi Arabia installing cranes at Yemen ports to boost aid delivery

New York, Aug 19: Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it was installing four cranes at three ports in Yemen to help boost humanitarian aid deliveries and was ready to assist with installing cranes at the key port of Hodeidah once...

First batch of Qatari Haj pilgrims arrives in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Aug 18: The first batch of 100 Qatari pilgrims crossed into Saudi Arabia through the Salwa border crossing, and was welcomed by officials.

The pilgrims were allowed in without Hajj permits, and will be treated as guests of...

Saudi King orders opening of Salwa border crossing for Qatari Haj pilgrims

Jeddah, Aug 17: King Salman has approved a plan to open the Salwa border crossing to Qataris performing Hajj this year, the Saudi Press Agency said late Wednesday.

The King has also ordered that a private aircraft...

Fire damages six buildings in Jeddah’s historic center

Jeddah, Aug 16: A fire took hold of six buildings, three of which collapsed completely, in Jeddah’s historic center Tuesday, forcing 60 people to evacuate, officials said.

“Rescue teams managed Tuesday evening to evacuate about 60 people to safe...

Iraq starts bombing Daesh-held Tal Afar, west of Mosul: Report

Erbil, Aug 15: Iraq has begun an aerial bombardment of Tal Afar, a town under Daesh control west of Mosul, Baghdad-based Al-Sumariya TV said on Tuesday, citing an Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman.

The ground attack to...

Saudi summons Twitterati, others for ‘harming public order

Riyadh, Aug 14: Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution has issued an order to summon a group of Twitter users and others who have been charged with criminal offenses of harming public order "by influencing the integrity and moderation of the...

Iran boosts budget for missiles, army

Iran's parliament has overwhelmingly voted to increase spending on Tehran's ballistic missile programme and the elite Revolutionary Guards in retaliation for new sanctions imposed by the United States.

In a session on Sunday, a total of 240 politicians out...

2 die of MERS in Hail, Khamis Mushayt

Riyadh, Aug 12: A 58-year-old Saudi man and a 50-year-old male expatriate died Thursday of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) in Hail and Khamis Mushayt, respectively, the Health Ministry said Friday.

Two new cases, female expatriates aged 38...