The former Saudi citizen was expelled from Sudan in 1996 amid American pressure on the country. AFP
The former Saudi citizen was expelled from Sudan in 1996 amid American pressure on the country. AFP

1994 - Osama bin Laden stripped of Saudi citizenship

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Updated 22 April 2025
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1994 - Osama bin Laden stripped of Saudi citizenship

1994 - Osama bin Laden stripped of Saudi citizenship
  • Decision was a sign of the Kingdom’s firm stance against terrorism, which continues to this day

RIYADH: The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 created an environment conducive to the rise of numerous terrorist organizations. 

Osama bin Laden, a Saudi-born dissident, emerged as a key figure during this period, exploiting the circumstances of the invasion, and his own financial resources, to enhance his position as founder and leader of Al-Qaeda, one of the largest armed groups that promoted jihadist ideology. 

Bin Laden sought to target not only the West but also Islamic countries that did not comply with his radical positions and views. 

Following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, Bin Laden returned to Saudi Arabia. Encouraged by what he perceived as his accomplishments during the war, he began preaching in mosques, inciting action against regional governments and calling for jihad, or a “holy war” against several countries. 

This stark divergence in the positions of Bin Laden and the Saudi government caused a rift, resulting in political and security restrictions on his movements, and efforts to curb his power and interference in Saudi affairs at both the regional and international levels. 

How we wrote it




Arab News provided six-page coverage of Osama bin Laden’s assassination, headlined “Bin Laden’s Luck Finally Runs Out.”

Recognizing the serious threat his extremist ideology posed to national and regional security, in 1991 Saudi Arabia expelled him from the country. Bin Laden subsequently moved to Sudan, where he continued to expand his group’s activities, including its involvement in global conflicts and acts of terrorism. 

In 1994, Saudi Arabia revoked his citizenship and froze his assets, forcing him to rely on external sources for funding. In 1996, he moved his operation to Afghanistan after he was expelled from Sudan following US pressure on the country’s government. Riyadh began coordinating with allied nations in an attempt to track Bin Laden’s movements and contain his terrorist activities. 

The revocation of his citizenship reflected the Kingdom’s pragmatic recognition of the threat he posed to both national and global security. At the time, though, Saudi authorities faced significant criticism from some international media outlets and Western human rights organizations, which viewed the decision to revoke citizenship as a breach of human rights, portraying it as a repressive measure to apply to individuals. 

Despite the criticism, the Saudis remained firm in their stance, regarding it as essential to distance the Kingdom from a figure who had become controversial worldwide, and to remove any association with the radical ideologies he promoted. 

Additionally, they sought to send a clear message to the world that neither Bin Laden nor his actions represented the beliefs of the Saudi state or its people. 

Key Dates

  • 1

    Osama bin Laden born in Riyadh, one of more than 50 children of a millionaire businessman. Accounts of his exact date of birth vary.

  • 2

    Soviet Union invades Afghanistan.

    Timeline Image Dec. 26, 1979

  • 3

    Bin Laden establishes Al-Qaeda from a network of Arab and other foreign veterans of the US-backed Afghan insurgency against the Soviet Union.

  • 4

    Soviet forces leave Afghanistan and Bin Laden subsequently returns to Saudi Arabia.

    Timeline Image Feb. 15, 1989

  • 5

    Bin Laden is expelled from Saudi Arabia and travels to Sudan.

  • 6

    Saudi Arabia, angered by Bin Laden’s propaganda against its rulers, revokes his citizenship and freezes his remaining assets in the country.

    Timeline Image April 9, 1994

  • 7

    Forced to leave Sudan following US pressure on the country’s government, he returns to Afghanistan.

  • 8

    US President Bill Clinton names Bin Laden as America’s top enemy, holds him responsible for the bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

  • 9

    Three hijacked planes crash into major US landmarks; two destroy the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York and one damages the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth hijacked plane crashes in a field in Pennsylvania when passengers fight back against the hijackers. Bin Laden says collapse of Twin Towers exceeded Al-Qaeda’s expectations.

    Timeline Image Sept. 11, 2001

  • 10

    US President George W. Bush declares Bin Laden “Wanted: Dead or Alive” for the 9/11 attacks.

    Timeline Image Sept. 17, 2001

  • 11

    US attacks Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, which hosts Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.

  • 12

    Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban collapses when the group surrenders Kandahar and its leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, flees the city.

  • 13

    Bin Laden is killed in Abbottabad, 60 km north of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

    Timeline Image May 1, 2011

  • 14

    Saudi Arabia revokes citizenship of Bin Laden’s son, Hamza, a day after the US offers $1 million for information about his whereabouts.

Seven years after his citizenship was revoked, when it became clear that he and his Al-Qaeda operatives were responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the US, the voices advocating for his human rights fell silent. 

By expelling Bin Laden and adopting a strong stance against extremist ideologies, Saudi Arabia had emerged as a reliable partner in the global war on terrorism, through the restriction of financial aid to individuals and organizations suspected of supporting terrorism, and increased counterterrorism cooperation with international partners. 

In the three decades since then, it has become evident that Saudi Arabia’s handling of Bin Laden was not an isolated case but part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating extremism at its roots. 

Successive Saudi leaderships have upheld a firm, zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and worked to eliminate extremist elements within the Kingdom. This included shutting down sources of jihadist and extremist financing, restrictions on financial aid to individuals or institutions suspected of supporting terrorism, and the implementation of internal programs to combat extremist ideology. 

Through the multifaceted approach it adopted to address the activities of Bin Laden, the Kingdom positioned itself as a model for counterterrorism efforts, and strengthened its leadership role in global initiatives to combat extremists while dismantling their financial and media support networks. 

The pivotal international role Saudi Arabia plays in efforts to combat terrorism was evident as recently as last year when authorities in the Kingdom said they warned German counterparts about Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen and his extremist views. 




Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden during shooting training at al-Faruq base in Afghanistan. Video grab/AFP

The warnings fell on deaf ears, however, and on Dec. 20, 2024, Al-Abdulmohsen drove his car into crowds at a Christmas market in Magdeburg in an attack that killed six people and injured at least 299. 

In March 2019, 25 years after revoking Bin Laden’s citizenship, Saudi authorities did the same to one of his sons, Hamza. He sought to revive Al-Qaeda, having embraced many of his father’s extremist ideologies, including incitement to hatred and violence, and the recruitment of young Muslims to join extremist groups. He directed his rhetoric against Arab regimes and the world at large. 

Saudi authorities announced their decision the day after the US State Department offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the capture of Hamza, describing him as “an emerging Al-Qaeda leader” who “threatened attacks against the United States and allies.” 

On August 1, 2019, US media reported that Hamza was killed in an American airstrike. Citing unnamed US intelligence officials, the reports offered little information about the location or date of his death. In a brief statement on Sept. 14, President Donald Trump confirmed Hamza had been killed in a US “counterterrorism operation in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.” He gave no further details. Al-Qaeda did not confirm the death. 

In September last year, media reports claimed that intelligence documents suggest Hamza might have survived the attack thought to have killed him and was secretly running Al-Qaeda operations in Afghanistan with his brother, Abdullah. 

The accuracy of the reports remains unclear but the uncertainty means the question of whether Al-Qaeda’s threat to the region and the West is truly over has yet to be resolved. 

  • Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami is head of the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah). 


Russian attack on civilian bus in Ukraine kills 8

Russian attack on civilian bus in Ukraine kills 8
Updated 10 min 7 sec ago
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Russian attack on civilian bus in Ukraine kills 8

Russian attack on civilian bus in Ukraine kills 8

DUBAI: A Russian attack hit a bus with civilians in Ukraine's Sumy region, killing at least eight people and injuring five, the head of the military administration of the region in Ukraine's northeast said on Saturday.
"Passengers have been injured," Ihor Tkachenko, head of Sumy's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app. "Medics and rescuers have been urgently sent to the scene'"
The attack came hours after Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in three years.


Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff

Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff
Updated 22 min 47 sec ago
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Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff

Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff
  • The US has postponed the implementation of the 46 percent tariff on Vietnam until July.
  • Vietnam has the fourth-largest trade surplus among all US trading partners

HANOI: Vietnam and the United States held their first direct ministerial-level negotiations on Friday against the backdrop of an impending US tariff of 46 percent on imports from the Southeast Asian nation, which could significantly impact its growth.
The Vietnamese trade ministry said in a statement released on Saturday that the meeting, which occurred in Jeju, South Korea, following the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Trade, symbolized both nations’ commitment to fostering a stable economic, trade, and investment relationship.
The talks follow a phone call last month between Vietnamese trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that officially started negotiations.
“USTR Greer agreed with Vietnam’s current approach and proposal,” the trade ministry’s statement said. “The United States hopes that with the mutual efforts, the technical-level negotiations in the coming days will yield positive results.”
The US has postponed the implementation of the 46 percent tariff on Vietnam until July. If enforced, the levy could disrupt growth in Vietnam, which is heavily dependent on sales to the United States, its largest export market, and substantial foreign investments in manufacturing goods for export.
Vietnam has the fourth-largest trade surplus among all US trading partners, worth $123.5 billion last year.
In an attempt to diminish that trade surplus, Hanoi has recently implemented several measures, including reducing tariffs on a multitude of goods destined for the US and intensifying its efforts to curb the shipment of Chinese goods to the US via its territory.


Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse
Updated 17 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

FreshHouse in Riyadh has all kinds of different meal options and is a great choice for those health nuts who value flavor, substance and speed.

The eatery offers an extensive menu to meet your needs at pretty much any time of the day, including bowls, on-the-go meals, salads, sandwiches, oats, yogurts for some light breakfast options, and even desserts.

You will love their Mediterranean Chicken Bowl menu.

This is packed with kabsa rice, Persian-style chicken, mixed greens, dill pickles, tomatoes, roasted corn, and surprisingly, dates — topped with a tahini sumac and basic lemon dressing.

The blend of flavors in the Mediterranean Bowl works perfectly, offering a tangy yet slightly creamy balance that does not feel too heavy but will fill you up just fine. The chicken is nice and tender and comes in the perfect amount.

Another showstopper on the menu is FreshHouse’s Pesto Pasta Chicken Bowl.

This comes with pomegranate, ricotta cheese, mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, black olives, zaatar, pecan, and is topped with cilantro and basic lemon dressing. There is a fine balance of tangy, creamy and sweet.

The pasta is seasoned perfectly, and what is especially great is that it is neither too heavy nor too bland, unlike many available healthy options.

For a lighter, more refreshing selection, FreshHouse also sells cups of mango parfait, honey muesli oats, berries and yogurt granola, and more.

A pretty good option is their mango overnight oats which tastes really good. However, the oats could be a little less soft and the mango flavor even more prominent.

Their acai bowl is quite underwhelming. Nothing special and lacking flavor in the acai itself.

Try FreshHouse the next time you are looking for a quick protein fix or snack. Their build-your-own option is also handy if you are that kind of person.


 


Elephants undergoing medical treatment in Karachi show signs of recovery — wildlife expert

Elephants undergoing medical treatment in Karachi show signs of recovery — wildlife expert
Updated 17 May 2025
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Elephants undergoing medical treatment in Karachi show signs of recovery — wildlife expert

Elephants undergoing medical treatment in Karachi show signs of recovery — wildlife expert
  • Safari Park elephants Madhubala and Malika were diagnosed with tuberculosis earlier this month
  • Authorities brought in a Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist to oversee the elephants’ treatment

KARACHI: Medical experts treating two elephants diagnosed with tuberculosis at Karachi’s Safari Park said on Friday the animals were responding well to treatment and remained under constant observation as part of a long-term recovery plan.

The update was shared at a news briefing by Dr. Budhika Bhandara, a wildlife health specialist from Sri Lanka, who was on a 17-day visit in Karachi to supervise the treatment of elephants Madhubala and Malika.

The two elephants were diagnosed with TB earlier this month, prompting the park to launch an intensive treatment program under international protocols.

“We are treating them very well,” Dr. Bhandara told reporters. “The elephants are showing clinical signs, but they are not weak. We have started with a two-month initial phase of daily doses, followed by a continuation phase as per the standard operating procedures.”

Under the treatment plan, the elephants will receive continuous medication and monitoring for ten months after the initial phase.

The animals are being kept under round-the-clock supervision, and park officials have restricted access to the enclosure for one year to minimize stress and prevent any risk of disease transmission.

Dr. Bhandara, who has previously treated 15 elephants for TB, expressed optimism that Madhubala and Malika would recover.

He noted that both elephants are closely monitored and undergo health evaluations every two months, with full medical screenings scheduled every six months. Their most recent dose was administered 13 days ago.

Visitors to the Safari Park are currently only allowed to view the elephants from designated buses or a safe distance, as part of efforts to ensure a stress-free environment during their recovery.

The cautious approach follows years of concern raised by international animal welfare organizations over the treatment of elephants in Karachi.

In 2021, the global group Four Paws assessed the city’s African elephants and called for urgent medical care, improved nutrition and enriched environments to support their wellbeing.

The issue gained further attention after the deaths of two elephants — Noor Jehan in 2023 at the Karachi Zoo and Sonia in late 2024 — both of which highlighted systemic gaps in animal care.

Since then, local authorities have taken steps to improve conditions, including the formation of a technical committee and increased collaboration with foreign veterinary experts.


NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks
Updated 17 May 2025
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NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NEW YORK: The New York Knicks thrashed the Boston Celtics 119-81 to send the defending champions crashing out of the NBA playoffs on Friday.
The Knicks booked their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years with a rampant display to complete a 4-2 series victory.
Six Knicks players finished in double figures, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby leading the way with 23 points apiece.
Mikal Bridges drained four three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21. Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
The blowout win sets up a showdown against the Knicks’ arch-rivals the Indiana Pacers next week for a place in the NBA Finals.
New York will head into that best-of-seven series brimming with confidence after an electrifying performance that swept aside a Boston team who had dominated the Knicks in a game five win on Wednesday.
“In game five they got the best of us and we responded tonight,” Brunson told ESPN after Friday’s win. “We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offense was just rolling.”
Brunson will spearhead the Knicks challenge 25 years after his father Rick was a member of the New York team that last played in the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.
“This is great. I mean, the fact that we haven’t been here since my dad was on the team — he’s not gonna like that — but it means a lot to this organization and this city.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said his team had delivered a complete performance to oust the reigning champions.
“I thought from start to finish we were terrific,” Thibodeau said. “ are a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they’re not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it. And I felt we did that.
“But we can’t get carried away. Obviously it’s a great win and we advance. But you also understand that you have to get ready for the next series. We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we’re going to have to be ready.”
A slew of celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee were courtside at Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks romp to victory.
Boston — who were dealt a crushing blow in game four with a season-ending injury to star Jayson Tatum — had given their fans hope of a miraculous comeback after their game five win.
But those hopes were snuffed out in ruthless fashion as the Knicks edged into an early 26-20 first quarter lead before burying Boston in an an avalanche of second quarter scoring.
The Knicks outscored the Celtics 38-17 in the second quarter to take a 64-37 lead at halftime, a 27-point cushion that all but extinguished Boston’s challenge.
New York kept the points flowing in the third quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 41 points at one stage as they surged to victory.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics scoring with 20 points with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11.
Derrick White, who scored 34 points in Boston’s game five win on Wednesday, was kept quiet with just eight points.
“At the end of the day, we set a goal out, and we didn’t achieve that goal,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said afterwards.
“But that shouldn’t take away from the mindset and effort that the players put in...the approach, the process, you can’t ask for anymore from the guys. I thought they gave everything they had throughout the season.
“You have to take your hats off to the Knicks. They played a great series and they’ve been great all year, and Thibs is a great coach — so you have to take your hat off to them.”