US president Joe Biden has announced Egypt-Saudi island transfer deal in Jeddah. The deal will allow Riyadh to take control of Red sea islands.

US president Joe Biden announces Egypt-Saudi island transfer deal in Jeddah

US President Joe Biden lands in Jeddah where he will hold meetings with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Biden is expected to urge the Saudi government to ramp up oil production in a bid to rein in soaring costs.

Breaking News: President Joe Biden arrives in lands in Jeddah to reset US-Saudi Arabia ties

Indian warships took part in joint military drills with Saudi vessels near Jeddah. Where does India-Saudi military cooperation go from here? Can India supply weapons to Saudi Arabia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Indian warships sail to Saudi Arabia

Houthi rebels have struck a fuel depot in Jeddah. Despite the attack, Formula Grand Prix went ahead. Meanwhile, Saudi launched counter-strike on rebels.

Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city.

"We did several attacks with drones and ballistic missiles," the Iran-backed Houthi rebels said in a statement, including an "Aramco installation in Jeddah (and) vital installations in Riyadh".

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The attacks came as Saudi Arabia still leads a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital of Sanaa in September 2014.&nbsp;

The kingdom, which entered the war in Yemen in 2015, has been internationally criticised for its airstrikes killing that have killed scores of civilians, something the Houthis point to as they launch drones, missiles and mortars into the kingdom.

The North Jiddah Bulk Plant sits just southeast of the city’s international airport, a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Videos posted online of the blaze corresponded to known geographic features around the plant.

The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday, though concerns had been raised by some over the recent attacks targeting the kingdom.

The F1 said in a statement that: “The position at the moment is that we are waiting for further information from the authorities on what has happened.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-iran-aligned-houthi-group-claim-responsibility-for-drone-attack-on-saudi-arabia-464007">Also read |&nbsp;Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia</a>

Saudi state television acknowledged attacks in the town of Dhahran targeting water tanks that damaged vehicles and homes. Another attack targeted an electrical substation in an area of southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, state TV said.

Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic rocket launched towards the port city of Jazan, which caused a "limited" fire to break out at an electricity distribution plant, state media reported.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, said earlier this week it would not bear responsibility for any oil supply disruptions to global markets as a result of Houthi attacks that have intensified in the past three weeks.

The North Jiddah Bulk Plant stores diesel, gasoline and jet fuel for use in Jiddah, the kingdom’s second-largest city. It accounts for over a quarter of all of Saudi Arabia’s supplies and also supplies fuel crucial to running a regional desalination plant.

The Houthis have twice targeted the North Jiddah plant with cruise missiles. One attack came in November 2020. The last came on Sunday as part of a wider barrage by the Houthis.

At the time of the 2020 attack, the targeted tank, which has a capacity of 500,000 barrels, held diesel fuel, according to a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts examining Yemen’s war. Repairing it after the last attack cost Aramco some $1.5 million.

The UN experts described the facility as a “civilian target,” which the Houthis should have avoided after the 2020 attack.

“While the facility also supplies the Saudi military with petroleum products, it is mostly supplying civilian customers,” the panel said. “If the plant had been out of service of a significant period, the impact on the kingdom’s economy as well as on the welfare of the residents of the Western region would likely have been significant.”

Cruise missiles and drones remain difficult to defend against, though the US&nbsp;recently sent a significant number of Patriot anti-missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia to resupply the kingdom amid the Houthi attacks. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city. "We did several attacks with drones and ballistic missiles," the Iran-backed Houthi rebels said in a statement, including an "Aramco installation in Jeddah (and) vital installations in Riyadh". The attacks came as Saudi Arabia still leads a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital of Sanaa in September 2014. The kingdom, which entered the war in Yemen in 2015, has been internationally criticised for its airstrikes killing that have killed scores of civilians, something the Houthis point to as they launch drones, missiles and mortars into the kingdom. The North Jiddah Bulk Plant sits just southeast of the city’s international airport, a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Videos posted online of the blaze corresponded to known geographic features around the plant. The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday, though concerns had been raised by some over the recent attacks targeting the kingdom. The F1 said in a statement that: “The position at the moment is that we are waiting for further information from the authorities on what has happened.” Also read | Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia Saudi state television acknowledged attacks in the town of Dhahran targeting water tanks that damaged vehicles and homes. Another attack targeted an electrical substation in an area of southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, state TV said. Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic rocket launched towards the port city of Jazan, which caused a "limited" fire to break out at an electricity distribution plant, state media reported. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, said earlier this week it would not bear responsibility for any oil supply disruptions to global markets as a result of Houthi attacks that have intensified in the past three weeks. The North Jiddah Bulk Plant stores diesel, gasoline and jet fuel for use in Jiddah, the kingdom’s second-largest city. It accounts for over a quarter of all of Saudi Arabia’s supplies and also supplies fuel crucial to running a regional desalination plant. The Houthis have twice targeted the North Jiddah plant with cruise missiles. One attack came in November 2020. The last came on Sunday as part of a wider barrage by the Houthis. At the time of the 2020 attack, the targeted tank, which has a capacity of 500,000 barrels, held diesel fuel, according to a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts examining Yemen’s war. Repairing it after the last attack cost Aramco some $1.5 million. The UN experts described the facility as a “civilian target,” which the Houthis should have avoided after the 2020 attack. “While the facility also supplies the Saudi military with petroleum products, it is mostly supplying civilian customers,” the panel said. “If the plant had been out of service of a significant period, the impact on the kingdom’s economy as well as on the welfare of the residents of the Western region would likely have been significant.” Cruise missiles and drones remain difficult to defend against, though the US recently sent a significant number of Patriot anti-missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia to resupply the kingdom amid the Houthi attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah

Yemen’s Houthi fighters said that they fired 14 drones at several Saudi cities on Saturday, including at Saudi Aramco facilities in Jeddah.

Yemen’s Houthis attack several Saudi cities

The Saudi football federation on Saturday said it was launching the first edition of a women's league later this month.

Women's sport was long frowned upon in conservative Saudi Arabia.

But the November 22 launch is part of a programme set up by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation in 2017 to support women's football.

According to the federation, the new women's league will be playing in two phases within the regional league.

Sixteen teams will take part in the first phase with games played in three cities — the capital Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Six teams from each region will play in the matches, with the exception of Dammam where only four teams will play.

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Those who qualify will be able to play in a knockout competition at the Kingdom Final Championship due to be held early next year in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Federation chairman Yasser Almisehal said the creation of a women's league was "an important moment" for the federation.

The Saudi football federation on Saturday said it was launching the first edition of a women's league later this month. Women's sport was long frowned upon in conservative Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi football federation on Saturday said it was launching the first edition of a women's league later this month. Women's sport was long frowned upon in conservative Saudi Arabia. But the November 22 launch is part of a programme set up by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation in 2017 to support women's football. According to the federation, the new women's league will be playing in two phases within the regional league. Sixteen teams will take part in the first phase with games played in three cities — the capital Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Six teams from each region will play in the matches, with the exception of Dammam where only four teams will play. ALSO READ: World Cup Qualifiers: Ronaldo's Portugal left stunned as Serbia, Spain and Croatia confirm qualification Those who qualify will be able to play in a knockout competition at the Kingdom Final Championship due to be held early next year in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Federation chairman Yasser Almisehal said the creation of a women's league was "an important moment" for the federation.

Saudi Arabia launches first women's football league

An explosion was reported on a ship near the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, Sputnik reported citing the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

"UKMTO is aware an MT has experienced an explosion ... whist carrying out operations. Investigations are ongoing," UKMTO said in an incident notice on Sunday.

The Dryad Global maritime security company also confirmed that the explosion occurred in an oil tanker.

"Reporting indicates that a vessel has experienced an explosion whilst carrying out operations within the main tanker anchorage at the Saudi Aramco Jeddah Port," Dryad Global said.&nbsp;

According to the company, it is still unclear whether the ship that suffered the explosion is the Dominican flagged M/T Desert Rose or the Saudi flagged bunkering vessel Al Amal Al Saudi.

An explosion was reported on a ship near the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, Sputnik reported citing the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). "UKMTO is aware an MT has experienced an explosion .

An explosion was reported on a ship near the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, Sputnik reported citing the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). "UKMTO is aware an MT has experienced an explosion ... whist carrying out operations. Investigations are ongoing," UKMTO said in an incident notice on Sunday. The Dryad Global maritime security company also confirmed that the explosion occurred in an oil tanker. "Reporting indicates that a vessel has experienced an explosion whilst carrying out operations within the main tanker anchorage at the Saudi Aramco Jeddah Port," Dryad Global said. According to the company, it is still unclear whether the ship that suffered the explosion is the Dominican flagged M/T Desert Rose or the Saudi flagged bunkering vessel Al Amal Al Saudi.

Explosion on a ship in Saudi Aramco Jeddha Port area

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

Several coalition air strikes targeted Huthi military camps in Sanaa, as well as the city of Amran north of the capital, and the western port region of Hodeida, the sources said.

No casualties were immediately confirmed.&nbsp;

"We woke up today to raids and the sound of large explosions that frightened the whole neighbourhood," Abdelkarim al-Qudsi, a 41-year-old who lives in Al-Hafa, in the capital's east, told AFP. &nbsp;

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The Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Monday that they struck an oil facility in the Saudi city of Jeddah with a Quds-2 missile, in retaliation for Riyadh's role at the head of a military coalition that supports the government in Yemen's long conflict.&nbsp;

Saudi Aramco said the strike tore a hole in an oil tank, triggering an explosion and fire.&nbsp;

The Huthi rebels, who control Sanaa and much of the north, have been fighting the government since 2014, and the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the conflict the following year.&nbsp;

A Huthi official denounced Friday's raids.&nbsp;

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"Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates want to scare us with their air strikes, but we say to them that their raids will only increase our strength," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output.&nbsp;

That strike was claimed by the Huthis, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. Several coalition air strikes targeted Huthi military camps in Sanaa, as well as the city of Amran north of the capital, and the western port region of Hodeida, the sources said. No casualties were immediately confirmed. "We woke up today to raids and the sound of large explosions that frightened the whole neighbourhood," Abdelkarim al-Qudsi, a 41-year-old who lives in Al-Hafa, in the capital's east, told AFP. Also read| Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive The Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Monday that they struck an oil facility in the Saudi city of Jeddah with a Quds-2 missile, in retaliation for Riyadh's role at the head of a military coalition that supports the government in Yemen's long conflict. Saudi Aramco said the strike tore a hole in an oil tank, triggering an explosion and fire. The Huthi rebels, who control Sanaa and much of the north, have been fighting the government since 2014, and the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the conflict the following year. A Huthi official denounced Friday's raids. Also read| As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny "Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates want to scare us with their air strikes, but we say to them that their raids will only increase our strength," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity. Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output. That strike was claimed by the Huthis, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up.

The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said.

The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported.

Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq.

Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said.

Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday. In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up. The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said. The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported. Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq. Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said. Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

Saudi Arabia sentences three to death over links to 2017 Jeddah attack

Barcelona Manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../vidals-lawsuit-against-barca-wont-affect-status- in-team-says-valverde-272090">Ernesto Valverde</a> raised his concerns over the newly revised form of Spanish Super Cup.&nbsp;

"It's been changed and let's see, it will be judged once it has happened. It's interesting, with four good teams, but from a sporting point of view, I'm not sure," said Ernesto Valverde during the news conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Previously the Super Cup was held between the La Liga winners and the Copa del Ray winners, but last year the Spanish football federation&nbsp;agreed to double the number of teams (top two teams of La Liga and Copa del Ray) and take the competition outside Spain permanently as well as moving the playing months from August to January.

In 2018, the Super Cup was held as a one-off game in Tangier, Morocco. Barcelona had one this fixture and won the Super Cup

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Ernesto Valverde went on to say "I know there has been a lot said about this competition but the bottom line is football has become a business and as a business, it looks for income."&nbsp;

“The reason why we are here and why we were in Morocco is because the authorities are looking for more sources of income,” added Valverde.&nbsp;

This move faced heavy criticism from the traditional fan bases for scheduling the matches out of Spain. Relocating the matches in Saudi also is criticised as Saudi Arabia has been poor in terms of Human Rights.&nbsp;

A controversial three-year contract worth 120 million euros was struck between the Spanish Football Federation&nbsp;and Saudi Arabia, the deal was only signed after Saudi Arabia agreed that women would be able to attend the games.

The clubs will also benefit financially. For participating alone, Real Madrid and Barcelona will earn around 6 million euros while Atletico and Valencia will make around 3 million euros.

Barcelona faces Atletico in the second semi-final&nbsp;today, with the winner facing Real Madrid in the final on Sunday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../supercopa-quick-thinking-kroos-helps-real-to- final-273097">Zinedine Zidane's side beat Valencia 3-1</a>.

Barcelona Manager Ernesto Valverde raised his concerns over the newly revised form of Spanish Super Cup. "It's been changed and let's see, it will be judged once it has happened.

Barcelona Manager Ernesto Valverde raised his concerns over the newly revised form of Spanish Super Cup. "It's been changed and let's see, it will be judged once it has happened. It's interesting, with four good teams, but from a sporting point of view, I'm not sure," said Ernesto Valverde during the news conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Previously the Super Cup was held between the La Liga winners and the Copa del Ray winners, but last year the Spanish football federation agreed to double the number of teams (top two teams of La Liga and Copa del Ray) and take the competition outside Spain permanently as well as moving the playing months from August to January. In 2018, the Super Cup was held as a one-off game in Tangier, Morocco. Barcelona had one this fixture and won the Super Cup Also read: 'We certainly know the city better now': Barcelona team bus lost in Saudi Arabia Ernesto Valverde went on to say "I know there has been a lot said about this competition but the bottom line is football has become a business and as a business, it looks for income." “The reason why we are here and why we were in Morocco is because the authorities are looking for more sources of income,” added Valverde. This move faced heavy criticism from the traditional fan bases for scheduling the matches out of Spain. Relocating the matches in Saudi also is criticised as Saudi Arabia has been poor in terms of Human Rights. A controversial three-year contract worth 120 million euros was struck between the Spanish Football Federation and Saudi Arabia, the deal was only signed after Saudi Arabia agreed that women would be able to attend the games. The clubs will also benefit financially. For participating alone, Real Madrid and Barcelona will earn around 6 million euros while Atletico and Valencia will make around 3 million euros. Barcelona faces Atletico in the second semi-final today, with the winner facing Real Madrid in the final on Sunday after Zinedine Zidane's side beat Valencia 3-1.

Spanish Super Cup's format, relocation to Saudi Arabia due to football's desire for money says Valverde

An explosion set ablaze an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781">Iranian oil tanker</a> off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack".

The tanker, owned by National Iranian Oil Company, had suffered heavy damage and was leaking oil into the Red Sea some 60 miles from Jeddah, unnamed sources told Iran's Students News Agency ISNA.

All crew members&nbsp;are safe and the situation of the tanker is stable, Iran's Nour news agency reported.

"None of the crew members were injured at the explosion... the situation is under control," the news agency, close to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported.

"Experts believe it was a terrorist attack," a source told ISNA.

The Nour news agency, which is close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the crew was safe and gave the name of the stricken vessel as "Sanitized".

Tensions have been high between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia since an attack on the Kingdom's two oil facilities on September&nbsp;14 that caused fires and damage and shutting down 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of production - more than 5% of global oil supply.

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but a US&nbsp;official said they originated from southwestern Iran. Riyadh blamed Tehran. Iran, which supports the Houthis in Yemen’s war, has denied any involvement.

An explosion set ablaze an Iranian oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack".

An explosion set ablaze an Iranian oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack". The tanker, owned by National Iranian Oil Company, had suffered heavy damage and was leaking oil into the Red Sea some 60 miles from Jeddah, unnamed sources told Iran's Students News Agency ISNA. All crew members are safe and the situation of the tanker is stable, Iran's Nour news agency reported. "None of the crew members were injured at the explosion... the situation is under control," the news agency, close to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported. "Experts believe it was a terrorist attack," a source told ISNA. The Nour news agency, which is close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the crew was safe and gave the name of the stricken vessel as "Sanitized". Tensions have been high between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia since an attack on the Kingdom's two oil facilities on September 14 that caused fires and damage and shutting down 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of production - more than 5% of global oil supply. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but a US official said they originated from southwestern Iran. Riyadh blamed Tehran. Iran, which supports the Houthis in Yemen’s war, has denied any involvement.

Explosion sets ablaze Iranian oil tanker near Saudi port, all crew members safe

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-confident-china-trade-talks-will-not-be-hurt-over-iran-oil-sanctions-214566">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trouble-in-the-gulf-as-us-iran-dispute-threatens-to-escalate-into-serious-conflict-220323">soaring tensions with Iran</a>.

On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

"You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides.

Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said.

Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-warns-iran-of-imminent-attack-229251">President Donald Trump</a> to order a military strike before changing his mind.

Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents".

"We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said.

He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror".

But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions.

Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports.

The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran.

Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year.

Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen.

Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace. "You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides. Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said. Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted President Donald Trump to order a military strike before changing his mind. Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents". "We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said. He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror". But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions. Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports. The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran. Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year. Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen. Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

Mike Pompeo meets Saudi king Mohammed bin Salman on Iran crisis

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-coalition-destroys-yemen-rebels-drone-cave-212077">Saudi Arabia </a>wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said.

Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said.

The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city.

Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal.

Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.

Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day.

He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children.

Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime."

He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians.

On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait.&nbsp;

The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen.

Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said.

The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks.

A Yemeni rebel missile attack on an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia wounded 26 civilians on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels said. Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks. Eight of those wounded at Abha airport were admitted to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said. The other 18 were discharged after receiving first aid, he added in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. The Huthi rebels said earlier that they had launched a missile at the airport in the Saudi mountain resort city. Flights were disrupted for several hours before returning to normal. Abha, capital of Asir province, lies high in the lush Asir mountains and is a popular getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing summer heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. Malki said an unidentified "projectile" hit the airport which is used by thousands of passengers a day. He said at least one Indian was among three women wounded along with two Saudi children. Malki described the incident as a "terrorist attack" on a civilian target which could be considered a "war crime." He said the coalition would "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians. On Monday, Saudi air defences intercepted two rebel drones headed for Khamis Mushait. The city, not far east of Abha, houses a major airbase that has been one of the main launchpads for the coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen. Last month, the Saudi air force shot down a rebel drone that targeted Jizan airport on the Red Sea coast close to the Yemeni border, the coalition said. The rebel attacks come as SPA reported the coalition was intensifying air raids on rebel positions in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.

Yemen rebel attack wounds 26 at Saudi airport

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-pakistanis-killed-in-retaliatory-fire-across-loc-in-last-few-days-indian-army-190995&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjn9vag4fTfAhWYZt4KHXqMByQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ep70_KxuhC-bsOK3ZS7Qo">Pakistan </a>International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday.

The decision was taken "in light of the peoples' sentiments," PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajawar told PTI.

Cash-strapped PIA has been running into huge financial losses. Its current liabilities stand at Rs 431 billion.

For years, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lose-weight-or-face-the-axe-pakistan-international-airline-tells-obese-cabin-crew-188548&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiAjre84fTfAhUWEnIKHSi6C-wQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1w7uJwib6aXuR08RNRPb1s">airline</a> with 18,000 plus employee and a fleet of 32 aeroplanes have only been adding billions to its loss sheets.

"The decision to play Quranic verses and naats (recitation of poetry praising the Prophet) during taxing and landing for flights to Jeddah and Madina has been taken in light of the peoples' sentiments," Tajawar said.

No other music will be available in the in-flight entertainment system, he said, adding that the impression that the PIA has banned music on all routes is incorrect.

"This is only for Jeddah and Madina as the people go there on a holy journey. Therefore playing music/songs on these routes is not appropriate," Tajwar said, adding passengers of other flights will have access to the in-flight entertainment system available on the aircraft.

The PIA has also decided to welcome passengers on board with the Qaseeda Burda Sharif (Islamic hymn) playing in the background instead of soft music.

"A rendition of the Qaseeda Burda Sharif, a popular Islamic hymn, will be played while passengers board PIA aeroplanes for all domestic and international flights," Tajwar said.&nbsp;

The Pakistan International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday.

The Pakistan International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday. The decision was taken "in light of the peoples' sentiments," PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajawar told PTI. Cash-strapped PIA has been running into huge financial losses. Its current liabilities stand at Rs 431 billion. For years, the airline with 18,000 plus employee and a fleet of 32 aeroplanes have only been adding billions to its loss sheets. "The decision to play Quranic verses and naats (recitation of poetry praising the Prophet) during taxing and landing for flights to Jeddah and Madina has been taken in light of the peoples' sentiments," Tajawar said. No other music will be available in the in-flight entertainment system, he said, adding that the impression that the PIA has banned music on all routes is incorrect. "This is only for Jeddah and Madina as the people go there on a holy journey. Therefore playing music/songs on these routes is not appropriate," Tajwar said, adding passengers of other flights will have access to the in-flight entertainment system available on the aircraft. The PIA has also decided to welcome passengers on board with the Qaseeda Burda Sharif (Islamic hymn) playing in the background instead of soft music. "A rendition of the Qaseeda Burda Sharif, a popular Islamic hymn, will be played while passengers board PIA aeroplanes for all domestic and international flights," Tajwar said.

Pak national carrier PIA bans entertainment on flights to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is backing a planned new 14-nation football federation in Asia aimed at boosting some of the region's emerging nations in the game.

Presidents of football federations in South and West Asia met in Jeddah on Thursday&nbspwith a senior&nbspFIFA official attending as an observer to start the formal process of establishing a new organisation to be known as the South West Asian Football Federation (SWAFF).

The nations represented at the meeting included Pakistan, Sri Lanka,&nbspIndia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Maldives, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates.

"The nations of South and West Asia want to work with each other to grow football in the region, and to compete on a more equal playing field at future World Cup competitions and international tournaments,"&nbspDr Adel Ezzat, President and Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said in a press release issued by organisers.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) already includes five zonal federations for West, South, Central, East and Southeast Asia countries under its continental umbrella.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa met with Ezzat to discuss the formation of SWAFF last week, the AFC said in statement."We had an open and honest discussion on the formation of SWAFF and I made it clear to Mr Ezzat that the AFC had no objection ... as long as it remains as a football body outside of the AFC's zonal structure," Shaikh Salman, a member of the Bahraini royal family, was quoted as saying.

"SWAFF can come into existence on the lines of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation or the Union of Arab Football Associations, which are not part of the AFC but serve the greater purpose of bringing together many Gulf and Arab countries for the sole purpose of football development.

"I am happy to note that Mr Ezzat agreed and confirmed that the establishment of SWAFF will not have any impact on the AFC’s five existing zones ... and their current composition."

Just five of the 47 member nations of the AFC qualified for this year's World Cup in Russia - Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Australia, which joined from Oceania in 2006.

Presidents of football federations in South and West Asia met in Jeddah yesterday, with a senior FIFA official

Saudi Arabia is backing a planned new 14-nation football federation in Asia aimed at boosting some of the region's emerging nations in the game. Presidents of football federations in South and West Asia met in Jeddah on Thursday&nbspwith a senior&nbspFIFA official attending as an observer to start the formal process of establishing a new organisation to be known as the South West Asian Football Federation (SWAFF). The nations represented at the meeting included Pakistan, Sri Lanka,&nbspIndia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Maldives, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. "The nations of South and West Asia want to work with each other to grow football in the region, and to compete on a more equal playing field at future World Cup competitions and international tournaments,"&nbspDr Adel Ezzat, President and Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said in a press release issued by organisers. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) already includes five zonal federations for West, South, Central, East and Southeast Asia countries under its continental umbrella. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa met with Ezzat to discuss the formation of SWAFF last week, the AFC said in statement."We had an open and honest discussion on the formation of SWAFF and I made it clear to Mr Ezzat that the AFC had no objection ... as long as it remains as a football body outside of the AFC's zonal structure," Shaikh Salman, a member of the Bahraini royal family, was quoted as saying. "SWAFF can come into existence on the lines of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation or the Union of Arab Football Associations, which are not part of the AFC but serve the greater purpose of bringing together many Gulf and Arab countries for the sole purpose of football development. "I am happy to note that Mr Ezzat agreed and confirmed that the establishment of SWAFF will not have any impact on the AFC’s five existing zones ... and their current composition." Just five of the 47 member nations of the AFC qualified for this year's World Cup in Russia - Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Australia, which joined from Oceania in 2006.

New football bloc for South West Asia launched in Jeddah

The Afghan Taliban today condemned a deadly suicide bombing at Islam`s second holiest site in the Saudi city of Medina, describing it as &quot;an act of enmity and hatred&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Four people were killed in the bombing outside the Prophet`s Mosque on Monday, the same day as an attack outside a minority shiite mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia, and another near the US consulate in the western city of Jeddah.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) &nbsp;which has been shocked by this gruesome act condemns this incident in the strongest of terms and considers it an act of enmity and hatred towards Islamic rituals,&quot; the militant group said in an emailed statement.&nbsp; 
 
There were no claims of responsibility for the bombings, but the Islamic State group had urged its supporters to carry out attacks during Ramzan. 
 
The Taliban, who were ousted from power by a US-led invasion in late 2001, have themselves been repeatedly blamed by the UN for deliberately targeting civilians in the war-torn country.&nbsp; 
 
As many as 600 civilians were killed and 1,343 were injured in the first three months of 2016, according to a UN report in April, with the Taliban responsible for six out of every 10 casualties.&nbsp; 
 
Monday`s suicide bombing received wide condemnation from across the Muslim world, with Shiite power Iran calling for Muslim unity following the attacks in its Sunni-dominated regional rival. 
 
Afghanistan`s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the attacks in Saudi Arabia in a tweet today, expressing his sympathies to the people and government of Saudi Arabia. 
 
(AFP) 
 
&nbsp;

Four people were killed in the attack outside the Prophet`s Mosque on Monday

The Afghan Taliban today condemned a deadly suicide bombing at Islam`s second holiest site in the Saudi city of Medina, describing it as "an act of enmity and hatred". Four people were killed in the bombing outside the Prophet`s Mosque on Monday, the same day as an attack outside a minority shiite mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia, and another near the US consulate in the western city of Jeddah. "The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) which has been shocked by this gruesome act condemns this incident in the strongest of terms and considers it an act of enmity and hatred towards Islamic rituals," the militant group said in an emailed statement. There were no claims of responsibility for the bombings, but the Islamic State group had urged its supporters to carry out attacks during Ramzan. The Taliban, who were ousted from power by a US-led invasion in late 2001, have themselves been repeatedly blamed by the UN for deliberately targeting civilians in the war-torn country. As many as 600 civilians were killed and 1,343 were injured in the first three months of 2016, according to a UN report in April, with the Taliban responsible for six out of every 10 casualties. Monday`s suicide bombing received wide condemnation from across the Muslim world, with Shiite power Iran calling for Muslim unity following the attacks in its Sunni-dominated regional rival. Afghanistan`s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the attacks in Saudi Arabia in a tweet today, expressing his sympathies to the people and government of Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

Afghan Taliban condemn Medina bombing

A suicide bomber was killed and two other wounded in a blast near the US consulate in Saudi Arabia&#39;s second city of Jeddah early today, state TV said, the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. 
 
The attacker parked his car outside a hospital opposite the consulate at about 2.15 am and detonated his device after being approached by two security men, killing him and lightly wounding them, it said, quoting a security spokesman. 
 
Three further blasts rocked the location of the bombing hours later, a witness told Reuters, as police carried out what appeared to be controlled explosions near the site. 
 
A video sent by the witness showed police taking cover behind vehicles and covering their ears before an explosion sounded. 
 
Reuters could not immediately reach officials to give more details. A photograph on the Sabq news website showed what appeared to be the remains of a man lying next to a taxi. 
 
The statement on state television referred to the location of the consulate by its street address and did not refer directly to the presence of the diplomatic mission there, an apparent effort to downplay the attack&#39;s likely target. 
 
A spokesman for the US state department said it was aware of reports of a blast in Jeddah and was seeking more information from the Saudi government. He added that all staff at the consulate were accounted for. 
 
A state department message sent to US citizens in Saudi Arabia noted the reports of the attack and reiterated earlier advice to remain aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when travelling in the country. 
 
The witness said the area had been closed off by the security forces and that helicopters were flying overhead. He said the explosion appeared to have taken place about 20 metres (65 feet) from an outer checkpoint of the consulate. Concrete barriers protect the street outside the consulate. 
 
Islamic State has carried out a series of bombing and shooting attacks in Saudi Arabia since mid-2014 that have killed scores of people, mostly members of the Shi&#39;ite Muslim minority and security services. 
 
A decade ago, an al-Qaeda campaign focused on Western expatriates in the world&#39;s top oil exporter, killing hundreds in attacks on businesses and residential compounds. One 2004 attack hit the US consulate in Jeddah, killing nine. 
 
(Reuters)

The bomber parked his car outside a hospital near the US consulate in Jeddah and detonated the device when two security men walked up to him

A suicide bomber was killed and two other wounded in a blast near the US consulate in Saudi Arabia's second city of Jeddah early today, state TV said, the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. The attacker parked his car outside a hospital opposite the consulate at about 2.15 am and detonated his device after being approached by two security men, killing him and lightly wounding them, it said, quoting a security spokesman. Three further blasts rocked the location of the bombing hours later, a witness told Reuters, as police carried out what appeared to be controlled explosions near the site. A video sent by the witness showed police taking cover behind vehicles and covering their ears before an explosion sounded. Reuters could not immediately reach officials to give more details. A photograph on the Sabq news website showed what appeared to be the remains of a man lying next to a taxi. The statement on state television referred to the location of the consulate by its street address and did not refer directly to the presence of the diplomatic mission there, an apparent effort to downplay the attack's likely target. A spokesman for the US state department said it was aware of reports of a blast in Jeddah and was seeking more information from the Saudi government. He added that all staff at the consulate were accounted for. A state department message sent to US citizens in Saudi Arabia noted the reports of the attack and reiterated earlier advice to remain aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when travelling in the country. The witness said the area had been closed off by the security forces and that helicopters were flying overhead. He said the explosion appeared to have taken place about 20 metres (65 feet) from an outer checkpoint of the consulate. Concrete barriers protect the street outside the consulate. Islamic State has carried out a series of bombing and shooting attacks in Saudi Arabia since mid-2014 that have killed scores of people, mostly members of the Shi'ite Muslim minority and security services. A decade ago, an al-Qaeda campaign focused on Western expatriates in the world's top oil exporter, killing hundreds in attacks on businesses and residential compounds. One 2004 attack hit the US consulate in Jeddah, killing nine. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia: Suicide bomber blows himself up near US consulate, 2 hurt

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