Terrorist Financing Targeting Center links 13 individuals, 3 entities to IRGC, Daesh and Boko Haram

Members of the TFTC including Saudi Arabia have sanctioned 16 individuals, entities, and groups affiliated with a variety of terrorist organizations. (File/Shutterstock)
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Updated 07 June 2022
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Terrorist Financing Targeting Center links 13 individuals, 3 entities to IRGC, Daesh and Boko Haram

  • Two of the groups were Bahrain-based terrorist militias receiving support from Iran
  • The designation action marks the 5th year of coordinated TFTC sanctions actions targeting terrorist financing

JEDDAH: Member states of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), including Saudi Arabia, have unanimously named 13 people and three entities as being linked to terrorist organizations.

The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary of the TFTC, which has targeted terrorist financing activities to strengthen the regional capabilities of member states.

A statement from the Saudi Presidency of State Security said three of the individuals were connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, four people and a company were found to be connected to Daesh, and six people were connected to financing Boko Haram. The statement on Twitter also designated two groups — Saraya Al-Ashtar and Saraya Al-Mukhtar — as terrorist groups.

The classification is an extension of member states’ commitment to continue achieving the center’s goals.

It also sends a message to the international community about the fruitful cooperation between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the US in targeting terrorist financing activities through the multilateral entity.




TFTC has coordinated six stages of joint classification against 82 individuals and terrorist entities since its establishment in 2017. (Shutterstock illustration image)

TFTC was organized by GCC member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — and the United States to counter regional money laundering and terrorist financing networks.

The individuals named in the TFTC list are Lebanese national Ali Al-Qusayer, Iranian nationals Miqdad Amini and Murtada Minai for their connection with the Al-Quds force, which is working under the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, Afghan national Esmatullah Khaluzi for his connection with Daesh operations in Khorasan, and Syrian national Alaa Khanfurah for his Daesh connection.

There are also six Nigerian nationals on the list: Abdurrahman Adu Musa, Salihu Youssef Admu, Bashir Ali Youssef, Mohammed Ibrahim Issa, Ibrahim Ali Al-Hasan, and Suraju AbuBakr Mohammed. The six, operating for Boko Haram, set up a cell in the UAE to raise money for the group.

Syrians Baraa Al-Qaterji and Hussam Rushdi Al-Qaterji, who established Al-Qaterji Co., were named for facilitating fuel trade for Daesh and cooperating with terrorist organizations such as the Revolutionary Guards.

The statement said that Saraya Al-Ashtar and Saraya Al-Mukhtar were Bahrain-based terrorist militias receiving financial, military, and logistic support from the Revolutionary Guards.

A separate press statement by the US Department of Treasury on Monday said Saraya al-Mukhtar’s self-described goal is "to pave the way for Iran to exert greater influence in Bahrain and beyond." 

"The group has plotted attacks against US personnel in Bahrain and has repeatedly offered cash rewards for the assassination of Bahraini officials," it added.

Saraya al-Ashtar, also known as al-Ashtar Brigades (AAB), "has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks against police and security targets in Bahrain," the statement said, adding that the group "also calls for violence against the Bahraini, British, Saudi Arabian, and US governments on social media."

TFTC has coordinated six stages of joint classification against 82 individuals and terrorist entities since its establishment in 2017.

These classifications have targeted Daesh and its affiliates, Al-Qaeda, the Revolutionary Guards, and Hezbollah militia.

The TFTC said the classifications targeted the disruption of terrorist financing and it would continue coordinating actions and efforts to disrupt this type of funding, enhance intelligence coordination to uncover terrorist financing, and build member states' capacity to target activities that posed a threat to their national security.

It said the system of combating terrorist crimes and their financing meant that all funds and assets belonging to the people or entities named in the classifications must be frozen and that it was prohibited to carry out any direct or indirect dealings with them whether for their benefit or on their behalf.


What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

Updated 07 May 2025
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What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

  • The Japanese tea’s rise in the Kingdom is a cultural shift, one green cup at a time

RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living.

The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia’s green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033.

Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks.

That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike.

Whether it’s served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It’s a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day.

In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. “My dad likes trying new things,” she said. “It didn’t taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.”

Now, she drinks it almost daily. “It might sound strange, but I don’t feel like it’s heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.”

Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. “I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,” she said.

For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. “It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.”

That calm, focused energy — often described as a “cleaner” caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals.

For Anas, it’s a campus essential. “It’s a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,” she said.

But matcha is more than functional. It’s become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm.

Globally, matcha’s rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan’s matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan’s top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs.

Matcha’s health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function.

A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance.

Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn’t recommended for everyone.

The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into.

That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. “I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that’s) because it was hot,” she said. “I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can’t drink it alone.”

Now, she can’t go a day without it. “Sometimes twice or more,” she said. “I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.”

Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink.

For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. “As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,” she said. “I’ve stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.”

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. 

Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. “Health,” she says, is what made her switch.

Still, matcha’s appeal goes beyond health — it’s also about aesthetics and culture. “I think it’s a mix of everything,” said Al-Mutairi. “The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.”

Anas echoed that idea, noting that people’s motivations vary. “For me, it’s for its health benefits and for the taste. You don’t usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,” she said. “But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.”

That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha’s surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the “soft life” movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure.

“It’s definitely the vibe and the taste,” said Al-Zamil.

In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it’s offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.


GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Updated 06 May 2025
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GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi received Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Oman’s newly appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi congratulated Al-Busaidi on his appointment and wished him success in his duties.

The parties discussed various topics and explored ways to enhance bilateral efforts toward “greater integration, solidarity, and interconnectedness.”

They also looked at the latest developments in regional and international arenas.


Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

Updated 06 May 2025
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Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

  • The new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has implemented an advanced interventional technique to diagnose breast tumors that conventional imaging cannot detect.

It enables physicians to obtain precise biopsy samples during the same visit, accelerating diagnosis and allowing earlier treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The shift addresses recent cases where certain breast abnormalities were only visible through contrast-enhanced imaging, leading the hospital to adopt contrast-enhanced mammography as a precise clinical tool.

Previously, the standard protocol required a separate MRI-guided biopsy after initial imaging, often resulting in redundant procedures, greater patient burden, higher costs and treatment delays.

In contrast, the new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.

During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 


Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

Updated 06 May 2025
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Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.

The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.

During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.