Middle East Experience

Saudi air defenses intercepted two explosive-laden drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthis that was heading towards Khamis Mushait, the Arab Coalition said on Saturday afternoon.Just hours before, the Arab Coalition had announced that it intercepted seven explosive-laden drones launched by the Iran-backed militia towards the southern region of Saudi Arabia.The coalition successfully intercepted the seven drones in Yemeni airspace and the attempt to attack the Kingdom was thwarted, according to a statement.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The Houthis’ deliberate and hostile attempts to attack Saudi Arabia constitute as a war crime, the coalition said.The coalition added that it will be taking the necessary operational measures to protect civilians and civilian objects from any hostile attacks.The attempted attack less than 24 hours after Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercepted a drone launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushait.Read more:Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone launched towards Khamis MushaitHouthis launch drone targeting school in Saudi Arabia’s Asir, no injuries reportedArab coalition destroys Houthi drone fired at Khamis Mushait: State TV
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s defense forces intercept Houthi drones hours after foiled attack

Oman will reimpose a curfew and suspend all commercial activities from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. following a spike in COVID-19 cases, the country’s Supreme Committee for Combating Coronavirus said on Saturday.The curfew, which will start on Sunday, will restrict the movement of people and vehicles, with an exception for home delivery services, the committee statement said.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Cases in Oman have trended upwards since January, with a pronounced surge since a dip in early May. The Gulf state has had the region’s slowest vaccine rollout due to procurement difficulties.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Oman has recorded 242,723 coronavirus cases and 2,626 deaths, according to the latest health ministry figures, issued on Thursday, when it had 2,015 new cases.Read more:In Oman, deadly fungal infection detected in some COVID-19 patientsOman faces shortage of hospital beds amid surge in COVID-19 infectionsOman ends COVID-19 night curfew, sets ban on shops, commercial activities overnight
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Oman to reimpose nightly curfew following spike in COVID-19 infections

The foreign ministers of the Arab League called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene and discuss the dispute over Ethiopia’s controversial dam on the Nile River.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt mobilizes Arab support in Nile dam dispute with Ethiopia

Saudi Arabia recorded 1,153 new coronavirus cases, 1,145 recoveries and 13 deaths in 24 hours, the country’s health ministry reported on Saturday. For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.There are now 11,045 active cases in the Kingdom, 1,496 of which are critical. Saudi Arabia’s COVID-19 death toll mounted to 7,663, total recoveries rose to 454,404 and total diagnosed cases since the beginning of the outbreak increased to 473,112.The majority of Saturday’s cases were recorded in Mecca and Riyadh which accounted for 335 and 266 cases respectively. According to COVID-19 data from Reuters, Saudi has been reporting an average of 1,179 new infections per day and 124,093 administered vaccine doses per day. If the Kingdom continues to vaccinate at this rate, it would take a further 56 days to inoculate another 10 percent of the population. Read more:COVID-19 impact on HajjSocially distanced robots serve Mecca holy water ahead of HajjMore than 450,000 people in Saudi Arabia apply to perform Hajj
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia reports 1,153 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths in 24 hours

Ebrahim Raisi's win came as little surprise amid widespread voter apathy, in a race already tilted to his favor by a powerful supervisory body.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Hard-liner Raisi wins Iran presidency amid record low turnout

Ebrahim Raisi, who is accused of grave human rights violations, has also been penalized by the European Union..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: A Roadblock for Iran’s President-Elect: He’s on the U.S. Sanctions List

The Emirate’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management updated travel protocols for inbound passengers on Saturday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: India-Dubai flights: 6 Covid safety rules travellers need to follow

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend travelers from entering the country from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Namibia on national and foreign flights from Monday, June 21, state news agency WAM said on Saturday.WAM said the restrictions would also include transit passengers, with the exception of transit flights traveling to the UAE and bound for those countries.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE to ban entry of travelers on flights from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Namibia

The next six weeks before a new government takes office in Tehran may be a unique window for clinching an agreement that Iran’s leadership has been delaying..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: For Biden, Iranian Hard-liner May Be Best Path to Restoring Nuclear Deal

The man, Daniel Rankin, was arrested on suspicion of battery, and is known in the Fairfax neighborhood.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Man arrested after attacking 12-year-old Jewish boy in Los Angeles