Saudi Arabia has confirmed 1,028 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, marking the second day of over 1,000 new cases since the recent spike.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The majority of new cases were detected in the city of Riyadh with a total of 431, the city of Mecca had 220 while the Eastern region saw 157 new cases.An additional 824 people also recovered from the infection, taking the total number of recoveries to 391,362.Meanwhile, the death toll reached 6,858 after 12 people died due to COVID-19-related complications. Saudi Arabia has confirmed a total of 408,038 COVID-19 cases as of April 21.The Kingdom's interior ministry warned on Monday that it would re-impose preventative measures like lockdowns and closing off cities and neighborhoods if the public continues to ignore rules.“Despite the efforts made by our rational government, which made the public’s health a priority and the continuous warnings from the concerned authorities to adhere to the precautionary health measures that protect society from the pandemic and prevent its spread, we still see those who are lax in not adhering to them,” said Talal al-Shalhoub, a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry.The Kingdom had seen daily infections fall to below 100 in January from a peak of more than 4,000 in June.Saudi Arabia in January postponed the end of a ban on travel for its citizens and full reopening of entry points to May 17. In February, it suspended entry for non-citizens from 20 states except for diplomats and medical practitioners.With ReutersRead more:Saudi interior ministry warns of reimposing quarantines on cities, neighborhoodsSaudi female police officer supervises Ramadan pilgrims in MeccaOver 65 pct of eligible UAE population fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia records over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for second day in recent spike
Oman suspends travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh due to COVID-19
Oman will bar entry to arrivals from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh starting April 24, as part of measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Omani state television reported on Wednesday.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The Gulf country's cases continue to rise and have reached 183,770 as of April 21, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 163,750 have recovered and the death toll hit 1,926.Authorities recently imposed restrictions for the holy month of Ramadan to try and slow the spread.A ban on movement of vehicles and people outdoors was reinstated with the start of Ramadan.All commercial activities, Ramadan gatherings, such as group Iftars and tents, were all prohibited as well.With ReutersRead more:Saudi Arabia records over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for second day in recent spikeOver 65 pct of eligible UAE population fully vaccinated against COVID-19UAE considers restricting movement of unvaccinated individuals
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Oman suspends travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh due to COVID-19
Government, Kurdish forces clash in northeast Syria
The pro-government National Defense Forces fired on Kurdish Asayesh forces at a checkpoint in Qamishli, according to Kurdish sources.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Government, Kurdish forces clash in northeast Syria
Syria stripped of voting rights by global chemical weapons watchdog
The French proposal to suspend Syria's "rights and privileges" in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons followed repeated reports of government forces using chemical weapons against civilians.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syria stripped of voting rights by global chemical weapons watchdog
Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states
No clear results yet, said Tehran's ambassador in Baghdad after reports of Saudi-Iran dialogue.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states
US hits out Yemen’s Houthis, blasts Iran for impeding ceasefire efforts
US Special Envoy on Yemen Tim Lenderking said Wednesday that the behavior of the Iran-backed Houthis showed they were not devoted to the interests of the Yemeni people.Lenderking also hit out at Iran for not working to find a solution to the yearslong war in Yemen. “The Iranians should not get a free pass here; what they are doing is negative,” Lenderking said.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Speaking during a congressional hearing in Washington, Lenderking said that “Iranian support [for the Houthis] is quite significant, and it’s lethal.”Asked what could be done to push back against Iran and the Houthis, the veteran diplomat suggested “naming and shaming” those who continue to provide weapons for continued attacks on civilians, including attacks launched by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.According to Lenderking, the Houthis have conducted 150 attacks against Saudi Arabia this year.Lenderking voiced concern over the behavior of the Houthis. “We are very concerned over the way Houthis govern; many of their tactics are undemocratic,” he said, pointing to the “harassment of aid workers and blockage of aid workers being able to carry out their projects and works.”“All of this does not sound to me like a government that is devoted or committed to the Yemeni people,” he added.Lenderking said fuel shipments were making their way through Yemen, but noted that the Houthis were running a black market and pushing up fuel prices.Read more: Houthis’ drone attack attempts on Saudi Arabia condemned by UAE
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US hits out Yemen’s Houthis, blasts Iran for impeding ceasefire efforts
War was easier than this, says entrepreneur hit by economic collapse
Suzanne Mouawad lived through Lebanon's civil war and built a successful advertising business in the hopeful days after the fighting ended, but she says her country's economic collapse is breaking her in a way that even missiles did not..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: War was easier than this, says entrepreneur hit by economic collapse
US Yemen envoy: Houthi attack on Americans in Saudi Arabia is 'greatest fear'
The US special envoy for Yemen gave an update to Congress on the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in the war-torn country.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US Yemen envoy: Houthi attack on Americans in Saudi Arabia is 'greatest fear'
How Israel and Iran's shadow war is playing out at sea
Analysis: Israel and Iran have been engaged in a covert war for years. Now ships are coming under attack at sea..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: How Israel and Iran's shadow war is playing out at sea
Coronavirus: Rollout of electronic bracelets to start in May
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for SuperCom said that they have 5,000 kits ready to be deployed as soon as the government wishes.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Coronavirus: Rollout of electronic bracelets to start in May