Khaleej Times

Arab countries unite against terror, voice support to Saudi

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manama — Gulf countries and Al Azhar Al Sharif have strongly condemned the terror plot targeting the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah.

In their separate messages they reaffirmed their firm support to Saudi Arabia in its fight to combat terrorism and extremism and praised Saudi security forces for their timely action.

In a statement, Bahrain condemned the vicious terrorist plot, stressing that the despicable act of terrorism is contrary to all religious, moral and humanitari­an values.

It also appreciate­d the role of Saudi Arabia in providing all the comforts and tranquilli­ty to worshipper­s, visitors and pilgrims.

It also lauded the efforts of the security personnel in thwarting the terror plot, and affirmed its full support to Saudi Arabia in its leadership role to consolidat­e and enhance security and peace in the region and across the world. Bahrain said it fully supports all the actions and measures by Saudi Arabia to eliminate terrorist organisati­ons.

It reiterated its rejection of terrorism and stressed the need for closer internatio­nal cooperatio­n to eliminate the phenomenon that threatens all nations and peoples and to rid the world of the serious scourge and all those who support and finance it.

Meanwhile, an official source at the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry expressed Kuwait’s strong condemnati­on of the terrorist plot targettuin­g the Grand Mosque.

In a press statement, the source described the plot as a blatant aggression against Muslim sanctities and a provocatio­n to Muslim feelings. The source affirmed Kuwait’s support to all measures taken by Saudi Arabia to maintain its security and stability.

The source lauded the Saudi security’s success in foiling the attack and hailed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to confront terrorism and serving Muslim pilgrims and worshipers.

Renowned Islamic institutio­n Al Azhar Al Sharif also condemned the terror plot and affirmed its categorica­l rejection of this criminal and malicious act on the Muslims most sacred place. It stressed that the perpetrato­rs did not represent Islam or its beliefs. Al Azhar emphasised its firm support to Saudi Arabia in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

Al Azhar appreciate­d the readiness of the Saudi security forces, which succeeded in thwarting this criminal attempt.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Grand Imam Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Sheikh of Al Azhar, denounced the Makkah terror plot.

In a statement on Saturday, the council emphasised “its absolute rejection of such plots aimed at underminin­g the security and destabilis­ing the country through malicious acts being perpetrate­d by terrorist groups, that aim to create chaos in the Arab region and the Middle East”.

“No moral or religious conscience to target the Grand Mosque of Makkah during blessed nights of the holy month of Ramadan,” it added.

The statement lauded the vigilance shown by the Saudi security forces in thwarting the attempt. It announced its full solidarity with the Saudi king, people, and the government, in all its measures taken to combat, uproot and counter the forces of darkness.

 ?? AP ?? The scene of the suicide bombing after a police raid in Makkah. —
AP The scene of the suicide bombing after a police raid in Makkah. —

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