Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Ministry of Health: 1,877 New COVID-19 Cases Reported in Saudi Arabia SPA 31 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health said in a statement today that 1,877 new confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 85,261 cases, including 22,316 active cases receiving necessary medical care. Of these, there are 453 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable. As many as 3,559 cases have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 62,442.
• Saudi activist reveals formation of opposition council to oust crown prince Press TV 31 May 2020 -- A Saudi activist has revealed the formation of a coordinating council by the kingdom's distinguished opposition figures and political dissidents, including three senior members of the royal family, in order to remove Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) from power.
• Ministry of Interior Announces Preventive Protocols to Limit COVID-19 Spread for Several Sectors SPA 30 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, according to the royal directive, the Ministry of Interior announces the precautionary measures and preventive protocols for several sectors to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
• 1618 New Confirmed Cases Reported, Recovery Rate up to 71%, in KSA SPA 30 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health announced here today that 1618 new confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus have been reported, across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), raising the tally to 83,384 confirmed cases, 240,21 were active cases undergoing medical treatment but are generally stable, however 441 cases are in critical conditions and the remainder are reassuring.
• Ministry of Interior Approves Revising Regulations on Limiting Gatherings, Updating Violations Classification Schedule SPA 30 May 2020 -- An official source in the Ministry of Interior stated that, in addition to what was previously announced on May 6, 2020 regarding the adoption of a regulation to limit gatherings that contribute to the spread and transmission of the novel Coronavirus and its attached schedule of violations classification, the regulations have been modified and the classification schedule has been updated to include a number of other violations of precautionary and preventive measures, in addition to the penalties prescribed for them, according to the following:
• US to sell Patriot missiles, bombs to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Press TV 30 May 2020 -- The US State Department has approved the sale of 84 interceptor missiles worth around $800 million to Kuwait in an attempt to improve the oil-rich country's Patriot air and missile defense system.
• Ministry of Health Launched 3rd Phase of Expanded Checkup to Assess Coronavirus Spreading Rate SPA 29 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health began today carrying out workings of the 3rd phase of the expanded checkup to assess the rate of Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, in Makkah and Madinah, in a first step to be followed by implementing it, in Riyadh, next week, while the other areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall follow suit, later on.
• Ministry of Health Announces 1581 New Cases of COVID-19, Recovery Cases Exceed 57,000 SPA 29 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health announced that 1581 new COVID-19 cases were reported today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that the new cases were reported in many cities and governorates in the Kingdom.
• 1644 New Cases Reported in KSA, Coronavirus too Dangerous, Rapidly Spreading -Health Ministry Announced SPA 28 May 2020 -- Ministry of Health announced here today that new 1644 confirmed cases of contracting novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), raising the tally to 80,185 cases, including 25,191 active cases still undergoing medical treatment, but generally reassuring, meanwhile there are 419 critical cases.
• Over 90,000 Mosques across KSA to Reopen, on Sunday SPA 28 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance is in full alert, with its staff embarking on maintenance, cleaning and sanitization process of more than 90,000 major and minor mosques, across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regions, in order to implement the noble order to reopen all mosques on the dawn of Sunday, except the mosques in Makkah and in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, following over a 2-month closure, in line with an advisory issued by the Senior Council of Ulemas.
• Ministry of Interior: Adopting Precautionary Measures to Limit COVID-19 Spread in Several Sectors SPA 28 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that the Minister of Interior has approved the precautionary and preventive measures for the wholesales, retail, industry, and construction sectors, after being prepared and reviewed by a committee that includes Ministries of Energy, Health, Finance, Human Resources and Social Development, and Industry and Mineral Resources.
• 1815 New Coronavirus Cases Reported, Recoveries over 51,000 Cases, in KSA SPA 27 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health announced here today that 1815 new confirmed cases of novel Covid-19 pandemic were reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) today, raising the toll to 78,541 confirmed cases, including currently 27,094 active cases undergoing medical treatment, but almost all of these cases are reassuring, however 401 cases are critical.
• 450,000 Umrah Performers Depart, due to Ministry of Umrah, Hajj Facilitation, during Coronavirus Pandemic SPA 27 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Umrah and Hajj and affiliate departments managed to cope with the efforts exerted by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, since the outbreak of the pandemic, through taking various administrative as well as sanitary steps and contributing to set a package of programs and initiatives, in accordance with the precautionary measures endorsed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Starts Next Stage of Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 SPA 27 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• Saudi Arabia to end curfew on June 21 Global Times 26 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia will begin easing restrictions on movement and travel this week, more than two months after stringent measures were introduced to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 94th Meeting SPA 26 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 94th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Ministry of Interior: Change to the times allowed during the curfew in all regions, except Makkah SPA 26 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, based on what the relevant health authorities submitted regarding the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of changing the times of the partial curfews and the return of some activities amid precautionary and preventive measures, the approval has been issued on the following:
• Ministry of Health: Recovery Cases Exceed 45,000 SPA 26 May 2020 -- Assistant Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, who is also spokesperson of the Health Ministry, said that 2235 new COVID-19 cases were reported today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that the new cases were reported in many cities and governorates in the Kingdom.
• Khashoggi's family may have pardoned killers under Saudi pressure: Saudi scholar Press TV 26 May 2020 -- A Saudi scholar says the family of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have forgiven his killers under "pressure and intimidation" from the Riyadh regime.
• US and Saudi Forces Conduct Joint Military Exercises on Saudi Islands NNS 26 May 2020 -- The U.S. and Saudi forces are conducting routine and joint sustainment training on and around Karan and Kurayn islands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 24-30, 2020.
• US, Saudi Armed Forces Carry Out Joint Training Exercises in Northern Persian Gulf Sputnik 26 May 2020 -- The United States and Saudi Arabia are holding week-long joint military exercises at islands in the northern Persian Gulf, the Navy said on Tuesday.
• Health Minister: Great Support from Wise Leadership for Health Sector and Early Precautions Provide us with Opportunity to Control Pace of Coronavirus Spread and Get Ready for it SPA 25 May 2020 -- Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has affirmed that the great support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for the health sector, and all what have been invested in this sector made the health capabilities and readiness in their best levels, adding that the early precautions provided us with the opportunity to control the pace of the new Coronavirus spread, get ready for it, spread the culture and awareness in the society, and also enabled us to maintain the health system, and to double the capacity of the laboratories, the critical care rooms and the ventilators during the past period.
• Saudi Arabia to Ease Coronavirus Restrictions on Thursday Sputnik 25 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia will start phasing out restrictions on Thursday that were imposed to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said.
• Health Ministry Spokesperson: Curfew is a Measure.. and the Individual Behavioral Commitment is Effective Tool to Decrease Infections Number SPA 24 May 2020 -- Assistant Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali who is also Spokesperson of the Health Ministry announced that 2399 new COVID-19 cases were reported today, bringing the total cases tested positive for COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 72560 cases, of which 28650 cases are active cases receiving medical care, and their health condition is mostly stable; with the exception of 372 critical cases, adding that the number of the new recoveries is 2284, bringing the total number of recoveries to 43520.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 94th Meeting SPA 23 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 94th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• US manufactured 'emergency' to sell arms to Saudi Arabia: Report Press TV 23 May 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ordered officials at the department under his watch to find a way to justify the use of an emergency declaration meant to expedite the $8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, CNN reports.
• Khashoggi's fiancee rejects family pardon offer to killers Press TV 23 May 2020 -- The fiancee of the slain Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi has rejected his family's decision to forgive their father's murderers, saying, "no one has the right to pardon his killers."
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 93rd Meeting SPA 22 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 93rd meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Jamal Khashoggi's son says family forgives killers Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Salah Khashoggi, son of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has announced in a tweet that his family has decided to forgive their father's killers.
• Family of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi Pardons Murderers of Their Father Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The Saudi journalist was murdered inside the embassy of his own country in Istanbul in October 2018. A Saudi court sentenced five suspects to death and jailed another three for a total of 24 years.
• Third stage of expanded examination to assess prevalence of corona announced SPA 20 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Health announced its intention to launch the third phase of the expanded examination to assess the general prevalence of the novel Coronavirus (Covid 19) in the Kingdom, in order to continue the precautionary and preventive measures it is taking to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus in order to preserve the health and safety of citizens and expatriates.
• Health Spokesperson: Total COVID-19 Tests Surpass 636,000 SPA 20 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 91st meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Saudi Press: COVID-19 Recovery Rate in Saudi Arabia is More than 50% SPA 20 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas.
• Dr. Al-Abdulaali: Total Number of COVID19-Recovered Cases is 31634 SPA 19 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 90th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Kingdom calls on international community to take bold and immediate measures to reduce loss of lives due to COVID-19 SPA 19 May 2020 -- The Kingdom called on the international community to take bold and immediate measures to reduce the loss of lives, and to accelerate efforts to contain the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on humanity, and the importance of international cooperation in eradicating the epidemic.
• Jailed Saudi royals hire Trump-tied lobbyists to counter MbS: NYT Press TV 19 May 2020 -- A number of prominent jailed Saudi royals and their allies have reportedly hired influential lobbyists in the US to establish links with President Donald Trump's circle and push for an end to "political persecution" by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while he is busy dealing with a coronavirus-related economic crisis in the kingdom.
• US House panel chairman says firing of State Dept. inspector may be linked to Saudi arms sale Press TV 18 May 2020 -- The chairman of a US congressional committee has accused President Donald Trump of firing a State Department inspector general because he was investigating Trump's "phony" declaration of a national emergency last year to push for a controversial arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
• Democrat Suggests Saudi Arms Sales Behind Firing of State Department Watchdog VOA 18 May 2020 -- A key U.S. Democratic lawmaker suggested Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump may have abruptly fired the internal State Department watchdog last week at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's behest because he was nearing completion of a probe into Pompeo's controversial fast-tracking of arms sales last year to Saudi Arabia.
• Kingdom calls on international community to take bold and immediate measures to reduce loss of lives due to COVID-19 SPA 18 May 2020 -- The Kingdom called on the international community to take bold and immediate measures to reduce the loss of lives, and to accelerate efforts to contain the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on humanity, and the importance of international cooperation in eradicating the epidemic.
• Dr. Al-Abdulaali: Total Number of COVID19-Recovered Cases is 28748 SPA 18 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 89th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• US Links Saudi Shooter at Navy Base to Al-Qaida VOA 18 May 2020 -- The FBI has uncovered a trove of information linking the Saudi gunman in a terror attack on a U.S. military base last year to al-Qaida and showing he had been planning for years to carry out the attack, senior law enforcement officials announced Monday.
• Naval Air Station Pensacola Investigation Update DoD 18 May 2020 -- Today, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced additional findings about the shooting on Dec. 6, 2019 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. This was a tragic day for our military and our deepest condolences are still with the friends and families of Ensign Joshua Watson, Airman Mohammed Haitham, Airman Cameron Walters, and with the eight others wounded in this terrorist attack.
• Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates to the Findings of the Investigation into the December 2019 Shooting at Pensacola Naval Air Station US Dept. of Justice 18 May 2020 -- Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 88th Meeting SPA 17 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 88th meeting today.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Supports Private Sector to Remain Strong in Light of COVID-19 SPA 17 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Exerts Efforts at Local and International Levels to Confront COVID-19 Impacts SPA 16 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 87th Meeting SPA 16 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 87th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Minister of Health: Kingdom one of lowest in world's coronavirus pandemic death rate and critical cases SPA 17 May 2020 -- Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah affirmed that the Kingdom is among the lowest in mortality rate and critical cases in the world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, indicating that this is due to medical care.
• Saudi Arabia asks Hadi regime officials to leave as costs bite amid economic downturn: Report Press TV 16 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked members of the regime of former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi residing in the capital Riyadh to leave and suspended financial support provided to them.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 86th Meeting SPA 15 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 86th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Hosts Meetings to Address Various Issues in Light of COVID-19 SPA 15 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 85th Meeting SPA 14 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 85th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• US Defence Department Awards Boeing $2.6 Billion in Cruise Missile Contracts Sputnik 14 May 2020 -- US aerospace giant Boeing won two cruise missile contracts worth over $2.6 billion combined to support foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia and six other countries, the Defence Department said in a press release.
• Boeing Awarded $3.1 Billion in U.S. Navy Contracts for Cruise Missile Systems Boeing 13 May 2020 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a combined $3.1 billion in contracts for Harpoon and Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM ER) weapon systems in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). About $2.6 billion of that was contracted today while the remainder had been previously awarded.
• Boeing secures cruise missile contracts with Saudi Arabia Press TV 14 May 2020 -- American aircraft-manufacturing giant Boeing has secured two military contracts to provide hundreds of cruise missiles to Saudi Arabia, a US ally that has been leading a brutal war on impoverished Yemen.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Announces Additional Voluntary Reduction of Crude Oil Production SPA 14 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 84th Meeting SPA 13 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 84th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Ministry of Interior: Continuing to Apply All Precautionary Measures Until the End of Ramadan, and a Complete Curfew During the Period from 30 Ramadan until 4 Shawwal SPA 13 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, in implementation of the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the Ministry of Interior in coordination with other relevant authorities to undertake any amendments to the procedures related to the curfew, required by health developments. And based on what the competent health authorities have raised regarding the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to confront the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the following was decided:
• FBI accidentally names Saudi official suspected of supporting 9/11 hijackers: Yahoo News Press TV 13 May 2020 -- The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reported to have accidentally revealed, in a court filing, the identity of a Saudi diplomat, who is suspected of having directed support for two of the al-Qaeda-linked hijackers involved in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Aramco Announces Dividends of $18.75 billion for Q1 2020 SPA 13 May 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas.
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session SPA 13 May 2020 -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today a Cabinet's virtual session.
• Ministry of Interior: Curfew in Baish Governorate of Jazan Region for 24 Hours Effective from Today, Entry into and Exit from It is Banned SPA 12 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to confront coronavirus pandemic and in implementation of the recommendations of competent health authorities to raise the degree of precautionary and preventive measures to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, it was decided the following:
• Aramco announces first quarter 2020 results SPA 12 May 2020 -- The Saudi Arabian Oil Company ("Aramco" or "the Company") today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2020, demonstrating financial and operational strength despite a challenging macro environment and lower energy demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Saudi Ministry of Finance: additional measures to confront the financial and economic impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic SPA 11 May 2020 -- The Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Economy and Planning, Mohammad Aljadaan, highlighted the importance of the measures undertaken to protect the Saudi economy and overcome the unprecedented financial and economic ramifications of the global coronavirus pandemic in the best way possible, stressing that these measures complement previously made decisions to mitigate the negative effects of the crisis from a health perspective, as well as economically and socially.
• Ministry of Defense Builds Two Mobile Hospitals to Support Health Efforts SPA 11 May 2020 -- In line with the leadership's directives to harness all capabilities to safeguard the health of citizens and expatriates, the Ministry of Defense, represented by the General Department for Medical Services of the Armed Forces, has built two mobile hospitals with 100-bed capacity in Makkah to receive COVID19-infected patients.
• Deputy Minister of Culture Highlights Saudi Experience in Confronting COVID-19 SPA 11 May 2020 -- Hamid bin Mohammed Fayez, Deputy Minister of Culture, hailed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's great efforts in safeguarding the citizens and expatriates from risks of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), affirming that the early precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom represent important factor supporting all sectors of the state.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 82nd Meeting SPA 11 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 82nd meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Saudi Arabia to impose austerity measures amid coronavirus crisis, oil collapse Press TV 11 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia is set to suspend a cost-of-living allowance for state employees and increase value added tax (VAT), amid a slump in oil prices and the coronavirus crisis.
• Saudi Arabia Reportedly Plans to Cut Oil Production in June by Extra 1 Mln Barrels per Day Sputnik 11 May 2020 -- According to the April deal, OPEC+ nations will cut production by 9.7 million barrels per day from May-June. Output will be reduced by 7.7 million barrels from July until the end of 2020, and by 5.8 million barrels per day from January 2021 to April 2022.
• Saudi Arabia Suspends Handouts to Citizens and Triples VAT Payments Amid Oil Price Slump Sputnik 11 May 2020 -- More than half of Saudi Arabia's pubic revenues depend on income from oil-related activities. However, the price of the precious recourse has dropped significantly since the start of the year as global demand for oil has plummeted by 30% amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, prompting petro-dependent states to undertake austerity measures.
• Saudi Arabia Imposes Austerity Measures VOA 11 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia says it is tripling its VAT (value added tax) and suspending cost-of-living allowances.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 81st Meeting SPA 10 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 81st meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Official Source at Interior Ministry Announces the Lift of Additional Precautionary Measures in Samtah Governorate Starting Tomorrow SPA 10 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior announced today that, pursuant to the ministry's statement on 24/8/1441H imposing a 24-hour curfew on Samtah and Al-Dayer governorates in Jazan Region, it was decided, as per health authorities recommendations, to lift, as of tomorrow, Monday May 11, 2020, the precautionary measures imposed on Samtah governorate and, accordingly, allow residents of Samtah to move to meet their needs from 09:00 a.m. through 05:00 p.m., while instructions excluding exceptional activities from curfew restrictions as well as health precautionary measures to combat coronavirus which have been previously announced will remain in force.
• 80th Novel Covid-19 Follow up Committee Meeting Held, Developments Locally, Worldwide Reviewed SPA 09 May 2020 -- Minister of Health Dr. Taufiq bin Fozan Al-Rabia'h presided over the 80th meeting of Covid-19 pandemic's follow up committee held here today.
• Interior Ministry: Lifting Precautionary Measures in Number of Madinah's Districts Starting from Today SPA 09 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, in light of the health authorities' recommendations, it was decided to lift the precautionary measures previously announced on 27/03/2020 in the districts of (Al-Shuraibat, Bani Dhafar, Qurban, Al-Jumuah, part of Al-Iskan and Bani Khadrah) in Madinah, as of today, Saturday 9 May 2020 and allowing their residents to move freely, to meet their needs, from 09:00 am until 05:00 pm, with the continuation of the work of the excluded activities and the implementation of health precautionary measures, which have been previously announced.
• US seeks to solace Saudis after Patriot pullout announcement Press TV 09 May 2020 -- The Trump administration has sought to solace Riyadh after announcing the withdrawal of a number of its Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and troops from Saudi Arabia.
• HRW: Saudi prince held incommunicado after enforced disappearance Press TV 09 May 2020 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi authorities detained Prince Faisal bin Abdullah Al Saud more than a month ago and have since kept him incommunicado.
• 9120 Cases of Recovery from Covid-19, in KSA, Ministry of Health Spokesman Announces SPA 08 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Health Dr. Taufiq bin Fozan Al-Rabia'h, Coronavirus' Developments Follow up Committee held its 79th meeting here today.
• Saudi tribe hit by bloody forceful eviction measures for bin Salman's ambitious NEOM project Press TV 08 May 2020 -- A Saudi tribe has been hit by bloody forced eviction measures employed to make way for the construction of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)'s visionary utopian city.
• US pulling Patriot missiles from Saudi oil facilities: Report Press TV 08 May 2020 -- The United States is pulling its Patriot missile systems from Saudi soil as part of broader curbs on its military support for the Arab kingdom, a report says.
• US Reportedly Withdrawing Patriot Missiles From Middle East Sputnik 08 May 2020 -- In September 2019, the US deployed additional forces, including Patriot missile systems, in the Middle East to tackle what the Pentagon described as Iran's "hostile behaviour", allegations that came after Washington accused Tehran of attacking oil tankers in the Gulf earlier that year.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 78th Meeting SPA 07 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 78th meeting today.
• Interior Minister Approves Regulation to Limit Gatherings and Classifies Violations and Penalties SPA 07 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior has stated that in addition to what was previously announced on 12 Ramadan 1441 AH regarding the provisions and penalties against violators of the preventive measures being taken to combat the Coronavirus pandemic and according to the second paragraph of the Royal Order No. (A / 584) dated on 6/9/1441 AH, the Minister of the Interior approved a regulation to limit gatherings that contribute to the spread and transmission of the coronavirus, according to the following text:
• Oil crisis, coronavirus taking toll on Saudi Crown Prince Press TV 07 May 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic coupled with a dramatic fall in oil prices is taking its toll on the leadership of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a new analysis shows.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 77th Meeting SPA 06 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 77th meeting today.
• Ministry of Interior: Lifting additional precautionary measures in Al-Faisaliah, Al-Fadaliah neighborhoods in Al-Ahsa from Wednesday, May 6 SPA 06 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, in light of the health authorities' recommendations, it was decided to lift the previously announced additional precautionary measures in Al-Faisaliah and Al-Fadhliya neighborhoods in Al-Ahsa Province, as of Wednesday, May 6, and continue permitting residents of the two neighborhoods to move freely to fulfill their needs, from nine in the morning until five in the evening, as well as continue the work of the excluded activities and the implementation of health precautionary precautions, which have been previously announced.
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session SPA 06 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet held a virtual meeting today.
• Ministry of Interior Announces Provisions and Fines for Violators of Preventive Measures to Confront Coronavirus Pandemic SPA 05 May 2020 -- An official source of the Ministry of Interior stated that in implementation of the Royal Decree, which comes in line with the concern for the health and safety of the citizens and expatriates to prevent the outbreak of the new Coronavirus, and in fulfilment of everyone's commitment to implement the precautionary and preventive measures to confront this pandemic, the Ministry of Interior announces, to the attention of all citizens and expatriates, the following provisions and fines for violators of precautionary and preventive measures to confront the pandemic:
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 76th Meeting SPA 05 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 76th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of relevant governmental entities.
• Kingdom participates in Brussels Conference to face COVID-19 SPA 05 May 2020 -- As the holder of the G20 Presidency, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia co-led the Coronavirus Global Response conference which was held today to finance the development of a vaccine, treatment and diagnostic tools to be accessible to all with an affordable cost.
• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 75th Meeting SPA 04 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 75th meeting today.
• Activists Decry Bid by Russia, Cuba, Saudi Arabia to Join UN Rights Body VOA 04 May 2020 -- A watchdog group is calling on democratic nations to prevent the election of Russia, Cuba and Saudi Arabia to the 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council, saying their abysmal human rights records disqualify them from membership.
• Dr. Al-Abdulaali: 1552 COVID-19 Cases Detected SPA 03 May 2020 -- Assistant Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali who is also Spokesperson of the Health Ministry said that 1552 new COVID-19 cases were reported today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 74th Meeting SPA 03 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 74th meeting today, in the presence of the members of the Committee representing a number of the relevant governmental entities.
• Official Source at Ministry of Interior: Lifting Additional Precautionary Measures in Al-Atheer District in Dammam, Starting from Sunday SPA 03 May 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior has stated that in light of the recommendations of health authorities, the following was decided:
• Saudi Arabia mulling tight measures to curb coronavirus impact on economy Press TV 03 May 2020 -- Saudi Arabia is planning to adopt what it calls 'strict' measures in an effort to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from further affecting its oil-driven economy that has already been battered by historically low crude prices.
• Saudi Arabia Puts Industrial Part of Dammam on Lockdown Starting Sunday - Report Sputnik 02 May 2020 -- The Kingdom has topped the list of Arab Gulf countries with the highest rate of new coronavirus cases, with more than 25,400 COVID-19 infections registered, according to official data.
• Coronavirus' Developments Follow up Committee Held 73rd Meeting, 3765 Cases Recovered, in KSA SPA 02 May 2020 -- Coronavirus' Developments Follow up Committee held its 73rd meeting, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Health Dr. Taufiq bin Fozan Al-Rabiah, and reviewed the latest reports relating to the developments of Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to the virus spread situation, all over the world.
• COVID-19 Committee Holds 72nd Meeting SPA 02 May 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 72nd meeting today.
• Finance Minister: The Kingdom Has Taken Firm and Quick Measures to Maintain Human Safety SPA 03 May 2020 -- The Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Economy and Planning, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has faced this crisis from a position of strength. The Kingdom has taken several steps during the past several years, based on Saudi Vision 2030 and on the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to diversify the economy, a journey that began four years ago, and has many years left to go. The Kingdom have also taken steps in relation to public finance controls and controlling the budget deficit. And we witnessed great positive results at the end of 2019.
• WHO: Covid-19 Pandemic Still Worldwide Emergency Case of Concern, KSA Takes part, in Emergency Committee Meeting SPA 01 May 2020 -- The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that the Emergency Committee of WHO has confirmed that the novel covid-19 pandemic, is still a worldwide health case of emergency of great concern.