US president Joe Biden isn't the only one visiting Saudi Arabia, he is being followed by a large number of tourists. It is a one trillion dollar push by Riyadh to build a global tourism economy.

Saudi Arabia's tourism push: Riyadh eyes tripling of foreign tourists in 2022

This is a story of two middle eastern women who are breaking gender stereotypes by taking on traditionally male dominated roles from autocross to automotive repairs, they can do it all.

Saudi's first woman autocross instructor

In the year 2020 Israel made new Arab friends- the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco. Normalization was the word on the streets, peace deals were built as game changers and nearly two years later the region is once again talking about normalization this time between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi-Israel normalisation on cards? | Trade and security on agenda

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to visit Turkey next week, his first visit since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Why has Erdogan abandoned his crusade against Riyadh? What is MBS hoping to achieve with this visit? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Saudi crown prince MBS to visit turkey

Russia has replaced Saudi Arabia as India's 2nd largest oil supplier as Indian refiners lap up cheaper crude oil. Russia now accounts for 18% of India's crude oil imports.

Indian refiners lap up cheaper crude oil as Russia is now India's 2nd largest oil supplier

Phil Mickelson said he had the "deepest of sympathy" for those who had lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001 after a coalition of families whose relatives died in the attacks criticised his move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

The PGA Tour last week suspended Mickelson and other members who joined LIV Golf, with Commissioner Jay Monahan saying they had "decided to turn their backs" on the tour. Last week, advocacy group 9/11 Families United sent an open letter to American Mickelson and others who joined LIV Golf, condemning their participation.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers on Sept. 11 were from Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has long denied a role in the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people. "I would say to everyone that has lost loved ones, lost friends on 9/11 that I have deep, deep empathy for them. I can`t emphasise that enough," Mickelson told reporters on Monday ahead of this week`s U.S. Open. "I have the deepest of sympathy and empathy for them."

Terry Strada, the national chair of 9/11 Families United, responded in a statement on Monday, saying Mickelson and his fellow LIV golfers "should be ashamed. "They are helping the Saudi regime `sportswash` their reputation in return for tens of millions of dollars," he said.

`ONE OR BOTH` 
Mickelson was a long-time fan favourite but faced a barrage of disapproval after remarks were made public earlier this year in which he criticised the Saudi government for its "horrible" human rights record but said he would use the prospect of LIV Golf to gain economic leverage over the PGA Tour.

Mickelson apologised for his remarks and announced in February that he was taking time away from the game, opting out of the Masters and his title defence at the PGA Championship. Saudi Arabia`s government denies accusations of human rights abuses.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/billionaires-club-sees-new-addition-with-tiger-woods-joining-michael-jordan-lebron-james-487307">Billionaires club sees new addition with Tiger Woods joining Michael Jordan, LeBron James</a>

Mickelson also suggested he was hopeful that he could compete on the PGA Tour again, despite his suspension. "(I`m) very appreciative of the many memories, opportunities, experiences, friendships, relationships PGA Tour has provided, and those are going to last -- those will last a lifetime, but I`m hopeful that I`ll have a chance to create more," he said.

Mickelson, who has finished runner-up six times at the U.S. Open and will get another shot at completing the career Grand Slam on his 30th attempt at the Country Club in Brookline, said he respected those who have "strong opinions."

The American said he planned to compete in next month`s Open Championship at St Andrews and would prefer to have the option to play "one or both" tours. "I gave as much back to the PGA Tour and the game of golf as I could throughout my 30 years here and through my accomplishments on the course I`ve earned a lifetime membership," he said. "I intend to keep that and then choose going forward which events to play and not."

Phil Mickelson said he had the "deepest of sympathy" for those who had lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001 after a coalition of families whose relatives died in the attacks criticised his move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Phil Mickelson said he had the "deepest of sympathy" for those who had lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001 after a coalition of families whose relatives died in the attacks criticised his move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series. The PGA Tour last week suspended Mickelson and other members who joined LIV Golf, with Commissioner Jay Monahan saying they had "decided to turn their backs" on the tour. Last week, advocacy group 9/11 Families United sent an open letter to American Mickelson and others who joined LIV Golf, condemning their participation. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers on Sept. 11 were from Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has long denied a role in the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people. "I would say to everyone that has lost loved ones, lost friends on 9/11 that I have deep, deep empathy for them. I can`t emphasise that enough," Mickelson told reporters on Monday ahead of this week`s U.S. Open. "I have the deepest of sympathy and empathy for them." Terry Strada, the national chair of 9/11 Families United, responded in a statement on Monday, saying Mickelson and his fellow LIV golfers "should be ashamed. "They are helping the Saudi regime `sportswash` their reputation in return for tens of millions of dollars," he said. `ONE OR BOTH` Mickelson was a long-time fan favourite but faced a barrage of disapproval after remarks were made public earlier this year in which he criticised the Saudi government for its "horrible" human rights record but said he would use the prospect of LIV Golf to gain economic leverage over the PGA Tour. Mickelson apologised for his remarks and announced in February that he was taking time away from the game, opting out of the Masters and his title defence at the PGA Championship. Saudi Arabia`s government denies accusations of human rights abuses. ALSO READ | Billionaires club sees new addition with Tiger Woods joining Michael Jordan, LeBron James Mickelson also suggested he was hopeful that he could compete on the PGA Tour again, despite his suspension. "(I`m) very appreciative of the many memories, opportunities, experiences, friendships, relationships PGA Tour has provided, and those are going to last -- those will last a lifetime, but I`m hopeful that I`ll have a chance to create more," he said. Mickelson, who has finished runner-up six times at the U.S. Open and will get another shot at completing the career Grand Slam on his 30th attempt at the Country Club in Brookline, said he respected those who have "strong opinions." The American said he planned to compete in next month`s Open Championship at St Andrews and would prefer to have the option to play "one or both" tours. "I gave as much back to the PGA Tour and the game of golf as I could throughout my 30 years here and through my accomplishments on the course I`ve earned a lifetime membership," he said. "I intend to keep that and then choose going forward which events to play and not."

'I have deepest of sympathy....' - Phil Mickelson on 9/11 families who slam move to Saudi-backed tour

Saudi Arabia on Sunday pledged $10 million to help prevent an ageing Yemeni oil tanker from unleashing a potentially catastrophic spill in the Red Sea bordering its waters.

The decaying 45-year-old oil tanker known as the FSO Safer, long used as a floating storage platform and now abandoned off the rebel-held Yemeni port of Hodeida, has not been serviced since Yemen was plunged into civil war.

A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa the previous year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-hikes-july-crude-prices-surprisingly-high-for-asia-buyers-485530">Saudi Arabia hikes July crude prices surprisingly high for Asia buyers</a>

The tanker, which lies some 150 kilometres (100 miles) south of the border with Saudi Arabia, is in "imminent" danger of breaking up, the United Nations warned last month.

The Safer contains four times the amount of oil that was spilled by the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, one of the world's worst ecological catastrophes, according to the UN.

Last week environmental campaign group Greenpeace urged the Arab League to drum up funds for an operation that would transfer its 1.1 million barrels of oil to a different vessel.

A UN pledging conference last month fell far short of its $80 million target, bringing in just $33 million.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia

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Environmentalists warn the cost of the operation is a pittance compared to the estimated $20 billion it would cost to clean up a spill.

The UN has said an oil spill could destroy ecosystems, shut down the fishing industry and close the lifeline Hodeida port for six months.

It has said the operation needs to be completed by the end of September to avoid "turbulent winds" that pick up later in the year.&nbsp;

Riyadh will donate $10 million to the effort through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.&nbsp;

"The Kingdom calls on the United Nations to quickly take the necessary measures to ensure the prevention of oil leakage&nbsp;and also calls on the international community to contribute urgently to support this initiative and prevent a serious environmental disaster," the agency said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-warring-sides-agree-to-extend-truce-for-two-months-says-united-nations-484465">Yemen’s warring sides agree to extend truce for two months, says United Nations</a>

Saudi Arabia's current defence spending is $36.8 billion per year, according to the Military Balance+ database prepared by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The war in Yemen has killed hundreds of thousands of people and left millions on the brink of famine.&nbsp;

But fighting has reduced since April when a truce went into effect, with the truce currently due to last until August.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday pledged $10 million to help prevent an ageing Yemeni oil tanker from unleashing a potentially catastrophic spill in the Red Sea bordering its waters.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday pledged $10 million to help prevent an ageing Yemeni oil tanker from unleashing a potentially catastrophic spill in the Red Sea bordering its waters. The decaying 45-year-old oil tanker known as the FSO Safer, long used as a floating storage platform and now abandoned off the rebel-held Yemeni port of Hodeida, has not been serviced since Yemen was plunged into civil war. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa the previous year. Also read | Saudi Arabia hikes July crude prices surprisingly high for Asia buyers The tanker, which lies some 150 kilometres (100 miles) south of the border with Saudi Arabia, is in "imminent" danger of breaking up, the United Nations warned last month. The Safer contains four times the amount of oil that was spilled by the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, one of the world's worst ecological catastrophes, according to the UN. Last week environmental campaign group Greenpeace urged the Arab League to drum up funds for an operation that would transfer its 1.1 million barrels of oil to a different vessel. A UN pledging conference last month fell far short of its $80 million target, bringing in just $33 million. Watch | Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia Environmentalists warn the cost of the operation is a pittance compared to the estimated $20 billion it would cost to clean up a spill. The UN has said an oil spill could destroy ecosystems, shut down the fishing industry and close the lifeline Hodeida port for six months. It has said the operation needs to be completed by the end of September to avoid "turbulent winds" that pick up later in the year. Riyadh will donate $10 million to the effort through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday. "The Kingdom calls on the United Nations to quickly take the necessary measures to ensure the prevention of oil leakage and also calls on the international community to contribute urgently to support this initiative and prevent a serious environmental disaster," the agency said. Also read | Yemen’s warring sides agree to extend truce for two months, says United Nations Saudi Arabia's current defence spending is $36.8 billion per year, according to the Military Balance+ database prepared by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The war in Yemen has killed hundreds of thousands of people and left millions on the brink of famine. But fighting has reduced since April when a truce went into effect, with the truce currently due to last until August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi offers $10 million to prevent Red Sea oil spill disaster off Yemen

Will Riyadh recognise Israel? Saudi-Israel normalisation on the cards? On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you more about the secret talks between Saudi & Israel.

The West Asia Post: Secret talks between Saudi & Israel

MBS has been ruling Saudi Arabia as its de-facto leader for years now. But the crown prince could now be just one step away from ascending the throne. This comes as reports emerge about King Salman's critical condition. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: : Succession looming in Saudi Arabia? Crown prince MBS lies in wait?

CIA Director William Burns met Crown Prince in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia rebuffed US requests to pump more oil Is the United States pushing to mend ties with Saudi?

US-Saudi relations: CIA Director William Burns met Crown Prince in Jeddah

Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit. As per reports, Sharif may seek a $7.4 bn Saudi aid package. This is Sharif's first foreign trip since assuming office.

Pakistan PM in Saudi: Shehbaz Sharif may seek a $7.4 bn Saudi aid package

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on his foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on April 28th. During his visit, the prime minister is set to hold bilateral talks with the Saudi leadership.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif heads to Saudi Arabia, visit aims to boost bilateral relations

Saudi Royals are liquidating their assets worth Millions. Real Estate, yachts, artwork & jewels, they're selling it all. Is it because they want to hide their wealth or do they fear a purge by Crown Prince MBS? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Saudi Royals are selling their assets: Here's why

A state-run Saudi TV network openly ridiculed Joe Biden & U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in a comedy sketch. Molly Gambhir tells you how.

Gravitas: 'Sleepy Joe' Saudi TV ridicules Joe Biden

30 members of Congress have criticised the Joe Biden administration. United States officials have urged US President Joe Biden to rebalance ties with Saudi Arabia.

US officials urge Joe Biden to rebalance ties with Saudi Arabia

The Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday announced that it would halt military operations in Yemen after United Nations' call for peace talks ahead of the month of Ramzan. However, Houthis have rejected the proposal and called it meaningless.

Saudi-led coalition announces ceasefire in Yemen as UN urges talks

The Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;launched&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;Sunday on&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day&nbsp;truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year.

The raids targeted Sanaa, the&nbsp;rebel-held capital, according to Saudi Arabia's Al Ekhbariya TV, which tweeted "the start of&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on Huthi camps and strongholds in Sanaa" around midnight.

The attacks began shortly after the Iran-backed Huthis announced a three-day&nbsp;truce&nbsp;and offered peace talks on condition that the Saudis stop their&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;and blockade of&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;and remove "foreign forces".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-claim-oil-plant-attack-as-huge-fire-erupts-in-jeddah-465548">Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah</a>

Just a day earlier, the rebels had fired drones and missiles at 16 targets in Saudi Arabia, turning an oil plant near Jeddah's Formula One track into a raging inferno as aghast drivers looked on.

The flurry of attacks and diplomacy came as&nbsp;Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, on Saturday marked seven years since the Saudi-led intervention against the Huthis, who seized Sanaa in 2014.

The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people directly or indirectly and displaced millions, creating what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the sudden rise in hostilities.

He said that eight civilians, including five children and two women, were reportedly killed in retaliatory&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on Sanaa following Friday's&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;attacks.

The UN staff compound in the city was also damaged, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-iran-aligned-houthi-group-claim-responsibility-for-drone-attack-on-saudi-arabia-464007">Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia</a>

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in&nbsp;Yemen," the statement said, adding that Guterres is "deeply concerned" about reports of&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;attacks on the lifeline port of Hodeida.

He urged the warring parties to "immediately de-escalate" and reach a "negotiated settlement" with the help of Hans Grundberg, the UN's special envoy to&nbsp;Yemen.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Sanaa on Saturday, holding placards and chanting, to denounce the Saudi-led intervention which included nine countries when it was launched on March 26, 2015.

Today, it is largely just Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, the United Arab Emirates, which says it has withdrawn troops from&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;but remains an active player, training militias on the ground.

The&nbsp;coalition's intervention has stopped the Huthis' advances in the south and east of the country but has been unable to push them out of the north, including Sanaa.

"Militarily, the war is now at stalemate," Elisabeth Kendall, a researcher at Oxford University, told AFP this week.

Saudi Arabia "may at this point be keen to extract itself" from&nbsp;Yemen, she said.

Watch |&nbsp;Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

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The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes Sunday on Yemen hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year.

The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes Sunday on Yemen hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year. The raids targeted Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, according to Saudi Arabia's Al Ekhbariya TV, which tweeted "the start of air strikes on Huthi camps and strongholds in Sanaa" around midnight. The attacks began shortly after the Iran-backed Huthis announced a three-day truce and offered peace talks on condition that the Saudis stop their air strikes and blockade of Yemen and remove "foreign forces". Also read | Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah Just a day earlier, the rebels had fired drones and missiles at 16 targets in Saudi Arabia, turning an oil plant near Jeddah's Formula One track into a raging inferno as aghast drivers looked on. The flurry of attacks and diplomacy came as Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, on Saturday marked seven years since the Saudi-led intervention against the Huthis, who seized Sanaa in 2014. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people directly or indirectly and displaced millions, creating what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the sudden rise in hostilities. He said that eight civilians, including five children and two women, were reportedly killed in retaliatory strikes on Sanaa following Friday's rebel attacks. The UN staff compound in the city was also damaged, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Also read | Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia "The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen," the statement said, adding that Guterres is "deeply concerned" about reports of coalition attacks on the lifeline port of Hodeida. He urged the warring parties to "immediately de-escalate" and reach a "negotiated settlement" with the help of Hans Grundberg, the UN's special envoy to Yemen. Thousands of people demonstrated in Sanaa on Saturday, holding placards and chanting, to denounce the Saudi-led intervention which included nine countries when it was launched on March 26, 2015. Today, it is largely just Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, the United Arab Emirates, which says it has withdrawn troops from Yemen but remains an active player, training militias on the ground. The coalition's intervention has stopped the Huthis' advances in the south and east of the country but has been unable to push them out of the north, including Sanaa. "Militarily, the war is now at stalemate," Elisabeth Kendall, a researcher at Oxford University, told AFP this week. Saudi Arabia "may at this point be keen to extract itself" from Yemen, she said. Watch | Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Coalition air strikes pummel Yemen despite rebel truce

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

A military operation has been started by the Saudi-led coalition, who is fighting in Yemen against Houthis, on Saturday. &nbsp;

The action has been taken to stop attacks on its oil facilities and "protect global energy sources," reported Saudi state media. &nbsp;

This comes as oil giant Aramco's petroleum products distribution station in Jeddah was targetted by Houthis on Friday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-claim-oil-plant-attack-as-huge-fire-erupts-in-jeddah-465548">Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack in Jeddah</a>

The Saudi-led coalition said the attack led to fire in two storage tanks, but there were no casualties. &nbsp;

The operation is in its initial stages and Houthis should bear the consequences of their "hostile behaviour", the coalition added. &nbsp;

The goal for the operation is to "protect global energy sources and ensure supply chains," it added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-host-us-uea-bharain-and-morocco-diplomats-for-three-day-historic-summit-465487" hreflang="en">Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit</a>

According to the coalition, it will "directly deal with sources of threat". It has also asked civilians to avoid being near any oil site or facility in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, reported Saudi state media. &nbsp;

The warning of the coalition came after it said it intercepted and destroyed two drones over Yemeni skies. The drones were launched towards kingdom from oil facilities in Hodeidah. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The coalition's warplanes launched raids on Hodeidah, Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said. Flights are still going on, it said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rebels strike fuel depot in Jeddah: Formula Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack

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The coalition attacked the electricity corporation and oil facilities in Hodeidah, Al Masirah TV added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A military operation has been started by the Saudi-led coalition, who is fighting in Yemen against Houthis, on Saturday. The action has been taken to stop attacks on its oil facilities and "protect global energy sources," reported Saudi state media.

A military operation has been started by the Saudi-led coalition, who is fighting in Yemen against Houthis, on Saturday. The action has been taken to stop attacks on its oil facilities and "protect global energy sources," reported Saudi state media. This comes as oil giant Aramco's petroleum products distribution station in Jeddah was targetted by Houthis on Friday. Also Read: Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack in Jeddah The Saudi-led coalition said the attack led to fire in two storage tanks, but there were no casualties. The operation is in its initial stages and Houthis should bear the consequences of their "hostile behaviour", the coalition added. The goal for the operation is to "protect global energy sources and ensure supply chains," it added. Also Read: Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit According to the coalition, it will "directly deal with sources of threat". It has also asked civilians to avoid being near any oil site or facility in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, reported Saudi state media. The warning of the coalition came after it said it intercepted and destroyed two drones over Yemeni skies. The drones were launched towards kingdom from oil facilities in Hodeidah. The coalition's warplanes launched raids on Hodeidah, Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said. Flights are still going on, it said. Watch: Rebels strike fuel depot in Jeddah: Formula Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack × The coalition attacked the electricity corporation and oil facilities in Hodeidah, Al Masirah TV added. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliation to Aramco attack, Saudi-led coalition launches op to fight off Yemen's Houthis

UK PM Boris Johnson said it was a terrible mistake to let Putin get away in 2014. He is likely to travel to Saudi and UAE this week.

Boris Johnson's admits to West's mistake, backs oil drilling

As western countries look for alternate sources of oil, British PM Boris Johnson will travel to Saudi as part of his drive to help lessen the west dependency on Russia.

Saudi, UAE now key players in stabilising oil markets

In form of support for the Houthis of Yemen, hundreds of protesters gathered in the capital city of Tehran to condemn the recent airstrikes on a prison in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition.

Chants of 'Death to America' in Tehran as protests against Saudi-led airstrikes rage

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday.

The Houthi rebels released gruesome video footage showing bodies in the rubble and mangled corpses from the prison attack, which levelled buildings at the jail in their northern heartland of Saada.

Further south in the port city of Hodeida, the children died when air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition hit a telecommunications facility as they played nearby, Save the Children said. Yemen also suffered a country-wide internet blackout.

"The children were reportedly playing on a nearby football field when missiles struck," Save the Children said.

The UN Human Rights Office said the reports of intensifying coalition air strikes on populated areas were "deeply shocking".

Eight aid agencies operating in Yemen said in a joint statement they were "horrified by the news that more than 70 people, including migrants, women and children, have been killed... in a blatant disregard for civilian lives."

They said the prison in Saada was used as a holding centre for migrants, who made up many of the casualties.

But the United Arab Emirates insisted that it and other coalition members remained committed to "proportionate" responses to Huthi attacks.

"The coalition undertakes to abide by international law and proportionate response in all its military operations," UAE ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh said.

The coalition attacks come after the Huthis took the seven-year war into a new phase by claiming a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi that killed three people on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates, part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels, had threatened reprisals.

Aid workers said hospitals were overwhelmed in Saada after the prison attack, with one receiving 70 dead and 138 wounded, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Two other hospitals have received "many wounded" and as night fell, the rubble was still being searched, the aid agency said.

"Horrific act"

Ahmed Mahat, Doctors Without Borders' head of mission in Yemen, said: "There are many bodies still at the scene of the air strike, many missing people."

"It is impossible to know how many people have been killed. It seems to have been a horrific act of violence."

The UN Security Council, meeting Friday at the request of non-permanent member the United Arab Emirates, unanimously condemned what it called the Huthis' "heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi... as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia".

The coalition has been fighting the rebels since 2015, in an intractable conflict that has displaced millions of Yemenis and left them on the brink of famine.

The coalition claimed the attack in Hodeida, a lifeline port for the shattered country, but did not say it had carried out any strikes on Saada.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency said the coalition carried out "precision air strikes... to destroy the capabilities of the Huthi militia in Hodeida".

"Collapse of internet"

Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale collapse of internet connectivity". AFP correspondents in Hodeida and Sanaa confirmed the outage. Save the Children said it would hamper its operating capacity.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis descended from their base in Saada to overrun the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Tensions have soared in recent weeks after the UAE-backed Giants Brigade drove the rebels out of Shabwa province, undermining their months-long campaign to take the key city of Marib further north.

On January 3, the Huthis hijacked a United Arab Emirates-flagged ship in the Red Sea, prompting a warning from the coalition that it would target rebel-held ports.

And on Monday, they claimed a long-range attack that struck oil facilities and the airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, killing two Indians and a Pakistani, and wounding six other people.

The attack -- the first deadly assault acknowledged by the UAE inside its borders and claimed by the Huthis -- opened up a new front in Yemen's war and sent regional tensions soaring.

In retaliation, the coalition carried out airstrikes against rebel-held Sanaa that killed 14 people.

Yemen's civil war has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many close to famine in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday.

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday. The Houthi rebels released gruesome video footage showing bodies in the rubble and mangled corpses from the prison attack, which levelled buildings at the jail in their northern heartland of Saada. Further south in the port city of Hodeida, the children died when air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition hit a telecommunications facility as they played nearby, Save the Children said. Yemen also suffered a country-wide internet blackout. "The children were reportedly playing on a nearby football field when missiles struck," Save the Children said. The UN Human Rights Office said the reports of intensifying coalition air strikes on populated areas were "deeply shocking". Eight aid agencies operating in Yemen said in a joint statement they were "horrified by the news that more than 70 people, including migrants, women and children, have been killed... in a blatant disregard for civilian lives." They said the prison in Saada was used as a holding centre for migrants, who made up many of the casualties. But the United Arab Emirates insisted that it and other coalition members remained committed to "proportionate" responses to Huthi attacks. "The coalition undertakes to abide by international law and proportionate response in all its military operations," UAE ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh said. The coalition attacks come after the Huthis took the seven-year war into a new phase by claiming a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi that killed three people on Monday. The United Arab Emirates, part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels, had threatened reprisals. Aid workers said hospitals were overwhelmed in Saada after the prison attack, with one receiving 70 dead and 138 wounded, according to Doctors Without Borders. Two other hospitals have received "many wounded" and as night fell, the rubble was still being searched, the aid agency said. "Horrific act" Ahmed Mahat, Doctors Without Borders' head of mission in Yemen, said: "There are many bodies still at the scene of the air strike, many missing people." "It is impossible to know how many people have been killed. It seems to have been a horrific act of violence." The UN Security Council, meeting Friday at the request of non-permanent member the United Arab Emirates, unanimously condemned what it called the Huthis' "heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi... as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia". The coalition has been fighting the rebels since 2015, in an intractable conflict that has displaced millions of Yemenis and left them on the brink of famine. The coalition claimed the attack in Hodeida, a lifeline port for the shattered country, but did not say it had carried out any strikes on Saada. Saudi Arabia's state news agency said the coalition carried out "precision air strikes... to destroy the capabilities of the Huthi militia in Hodeida". "Collapse of internet" Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale collapse of internet connectivity". AFP correspondents in Hodeida and Sanaa confirmed the outage. Save the Children said it would hamper its operating capacity. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis descended from their base in Saada to overrun the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Tensions have soared in recent weeks after the UAE-backed Giants Brigade drove the rebels out of Shabwa province, undermining their months-long campaign to take the key city of Marib further north. On January 3, the Huthis hijacked a United Arab Emirates-flagged ship in the Red Sea, prompting a warning from the coalition that it would target rebel-held ports. And on Monday, they claimed a long-range attack that struck oil facilities and the airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, killing two Indians and a Pakistani, and wounding six other people. The attack -- the first deadly assault acknowledged by the UAE inside its borders and claimed by the Huthis -- opened up a new front in Yemen's war and sent regional tensions soaring. In retaliation, the coalition carried out airstrikes against rebel-held Sanaa that killed 14 people. Yemen's civil war has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many close to famine in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

At least 70, including women, kids, killed in Saudi-led airstrike on Yemen prison

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed hundreds of people, including children.

Airstrike on a prison in Yemen: More than 100 people killed or wounded, including women & children

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children.

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people including children

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes on a prison in Yemen which has killed hundreds of people, including women & children.

Saudi coalition denies responsibility for the deadly airstrikes on a prison in Yemen

Tensions are yet again simmering in West Asia, it started after Yemen's Houthi rebel group conducted a drone attack in Abu Dhabi. The attack set off explosions in fuel trucks near the airport, three people were killed and six others injured. The UAE immediately pledged retaliation and Saudi Arabia launched retaliatory airstrikes on Yemen.

After UAE drone attack by Houthis, Saudi launches air strikes on Yemen

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been criticised for insulting the Saudi envoy.

Outcry after Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 'insults' Saudi envoy

The Saudi government has banned Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic movement, calling it “one of the gates of terrorism”.

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic affairs said in a tweet that the preachers in the mosque have been directed to allocate the next Friday sermon to warn people about the Tablighi Jamaat.

“Declaration of the misguidance, deviation and danger of this group, and that it is one of the gates of terrorism, even if they claim otherwise; Mention their most prominent mistakes,” it said.

“Mention their danger to society; Statement that affiliation with partisan groups, including (the Tablighi and Da’wah Group) is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ministry added.

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His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Abdullatif?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Abdullatif</a> Al_Alsheikh directed the mosques' preachers and the mosques that held Friday prayer temporary to allocate the next Friday sermon 5/6/1443 H to warn against (the Tablighi and Da’wah group) which is called (Al Ahbab)
— Ministry of Islamic Affairs 🇸🇦 (@Saudi_MoiaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saudi_MoiaEN/status/1467846537418059776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Originated in India in 1926, Tablighi Jamaat (Society for Spreading Faith) is a Sunni Islamic missionary movement that urges Muslims to return to a pure form of Sunni Islam and be religiously observant, especially with respect to dressing, personal behaviour, and rituals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/35-foreign-tablighi-jamaat-attendees-move-sessions-court-against-framing-of-charges-order-325175">35 foreign Tablighi Jamaat attendees move sessions court against framing of charges order</a>

It is estimated to have somewhere between 350 to 400 million members across the globe. They collectively claim that their focus is only on religion and strictly avoid political activities and debates.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-says-tablighi-jamaat-is-a-terrorist-organisation-435941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

United States Institute of Peace has described Tablighi Jamaat as an “Islamic revivalist organization” noting that the group “has appeared on the fringes of several terrorism investigations, leading some to speculate that its apolitical stance simply masks ‘fertile ground for breeding terrorism’ in nations such as UK, France and America.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tablighi-jamaat-case-108-foreigners-69-other-attendees-quarantined-in-west-bengal-291541">Tablighi Jamaat case: 108 foreigners, 69 other attendees quarantined in West Bengal</a>

In India, the group the severely criticised for organisation a mass gathering in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area during the first wave of Covid pandemic for violating lockdown rules last year.

According to Pew Research Centre, Tablighi Jamaat operates roughly in 150 countries around the world, including Western Europe, Africa, and South Asia.

In South Asia, the Tablighi Jamaat has a great following, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Thailand.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Saudi government has banned Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic movement, calling it “one of the gates of terrorism”. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic affairs said in a tweet that the preachers in the mosque have been directed to allocate the next Friday sermon to warn people about the Tablighi Jamaat.

The Saudi government has banned Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic movement, calling it “one of the gates of terrorism”. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic affairs said in a tweet that the preachers in the mosque have been directed to allocate the next Friday sermon to warn people about the Tablighi Jamaat. “Declaration of the misguidance, deviation and danger of this group, and that it is one of the gates of terrorism, even if they claim otherwise; Mention their most prominent mistakes,” it said. “Mention their danger to society; Statement that affiliation with partisan groups, including (the Tablighi and Da’wah Group) is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ministry added. His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr.#Abdullatif Al_Alsheikh directed the mosques' preachers and the mosques that held Friday prayer temporary to allocate the next Friday sermon 5/6/1443 H to warn against (the Tablighi and Da’wah group) which is called (Al Ahbab) — Ministry of Islamic Affairs 🇸🇦 (@Saudi_MoiaEN) December 6, 2021 × Originated in India in 1926, Tablighi Jamaat (Society for Spreading Faith) is a Sunni Islamic missionary movement that urges Muslims to return to a pure form of Sunni Islam and be religiously observant, especially with respect to dressing, personal behaviour, and rituals. Also read | 35 foreign Tablighi Jamaat attendees move sessions court against framing of charges order It is estimated to have somewhere between 350 to 400 million members across the globe. They collectively claim that their focus is only on religion and strictly avoid political activities and debates. Watch United States Institute of Peace has described Tablighi Jamaat as an “Islamic revivalist organization” noting that the group “has appeared on the fringes of several terrorism investigations, leading some to speculate that its apolitical stance simply masks ‘fertile ground for breeding terrorism’ in nations such as UK, France and America. Also read | Tablighi Jamaat case: 108 foreigners, 69 other attendees quarantined in West Bengal In India, the group the severely criticised for organisation a mass gathering in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area during the first wave of Covid pandemic for violating lockdown rules last year. According to Pew Research Centre, Tablighi Jamaat operates roughly in 150 countries around the world, including Western Europe, Africa, and South Asia. In South Asia, the Tablighi Jamaat has a great following, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Thailand. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia bans Tablighi Jamaat, calls it ‘one of the gates of terrorism’

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut all links with Qatar in June 2017, alleging it backed radical Islamist groups and was too close to Riyadh's rival Tehran -- allegations Doha denied.

But relations were fully restored in January after a landmark summit in the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;desert city of Al-Ula.

Crown&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed was greeted by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom he will hold talks, said the official&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Press Agency.

His tour comes while a flurry of diplomacy occurs to resolve regional disputes, especially with Iran and Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Qatar this week for two days of talks.

Ankara and Doha had become economic and political partners in recent times, with Erdogan's government notably backing Doha during the&nbsp;Saudi-led boycott of Qatar.

Turkey -- which is reeling from a fresh economic crisis and is searching for foreign investment and trade -- has sought to rebuild relations with former rivals in the Gulf, including the UAE and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia.

There have also been signs this year of a thaw between&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran, which have held several rounds of talks since April aimed at improving ties.

Simmering tensions between Ankara and Riyadh escalated after the 2018 killing of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

<h2>Khashoggi affair&nbsp;</h2>

The arrest of a man in Paris on Tuesday suspected of being involved in Khashoggi's murder had threatened to overshadow&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed's Gulf tour.

The&nbsp;crown&nbsp;prince's global image was tainted by the killing of Khashoggi, a critic of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;authorities, inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

But France on Wednesday released the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;man bearing a passport in the name of Khalid al-Otaibi after realising he was not the same individual wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Turkey.

Prince&nbsp;Mohammed arrived in Doha after a visit to the UAE, where he met with Abu Dhabi&nbsp;Crown&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Zayed and attended the site of Expo 2020.

Security was tight at the Expo, where the lavish&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;pavilion was closed to visitors and a small crowd of onlookers, including women in black robes,&nbsp;gathered outside.

Saudi&nbsp;songs, including one with the lyrics "Welcome Mohammed", were playing on the loudspeaker at Al Wasl Plaza, the site's central venue.

The two countries released a joint statement on Wednesday, saying they were committed to "enhancing the unity and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council", which includes&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;prince&nbsp;had arrived in the UAE from Oman, where the two sides signed agreements potentially totalling $30 billion, and will also visit Bahrain on Thursday and then head to Kuwait.

Prince&nbsp;Mohammed has sought to position himself as a champion of modernisation and reform, even as his international reputation took a hit from Khashoggi's murder.

The&nbsp;crown&nbsp;prince&nbsp;has said he accepts&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's overall responsibility but denies a personal link, with the kingdom saying it was the work of agents who had gone "rogue".

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut all links with Qatar in June 2017, alleging it backed radical Islamist groups and was too close to Riyadh's rival Tehran -- allegations Doha denied. But relations were fully restored in January after a landmark summit in the Saudi desert city of Al-Ula. Crown Prince Mohammed was greeted by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom he will hold talks, said the official Saudi Press Agency. His tour comes while a flurry of diplomacy occurs to resolve regional disputes, especially with Iran and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Qatar this week for two days of talks. Ankara and Doha had become economic and political partners in recent times, with Erdogan's government notably backing Doha during the Saudi-led boycott of Qatar. Turkey -- which is reeling from a fresh economic crisis and is searching for foreign investment and trade -- has sought to rebuild relations with former rivals in the Gulf, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. There have also been signs this year of a thaw between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have held several rounds of talks since April aimed at improving ties. Simmering tensions between Ankara and Riyadh escalated after the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Khashoggi affair The arrest of a man in Paris on Tuesday suspected of being involved in Khashoggi's murder had threatened to overshadow Prince Mohammed's Gulf tour. The crown prince's global image was tainted by the killing of Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi authorities, inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. But France on Wednesday released the Saudi man bearing a passport in the name of Khalid al-Otaibi after realising he was not the same individual wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Turkey. Prince Mohammed arrived in Doha after a visit to the UAE, where he met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and attended the site of Expo 2020. Security was tight at the Expo, where the lavish Saudi pavilion was closed to visitors and a small crowd of onlookers, including women in black robes, gathered outside. Saudi songs, including one with the lyrics "Welcome Mohammed", were playing on the loudspeaker at Al Wasl Plaza, the site's central venue. The two countries released a joint statement on Wednesday, saying they were committed to "enhancing the unity and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council", which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The Saudi prince had arrived in the UAE from Oman, where the two sides signed agreements potentially totalling $30 billion, and will also visit Bahrain on Thursday and then head to Kuwait. Prince Mohammed has sought to position himself as a champion of modernisation and reform, even as his international reputation took a hit from Khashoggi's murder. The crown prince has said he accepts Saudi Arabia's overall responsibility but denies a personal link, with the kingdom saying it was the work of agents who had gone "rogue".

Saudi prince lands in Qatar for first time since thaw in ties

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