SAUDIS CAN’T VISIT SYRIA

A general view shows damaged buildings in Aleppo city at night on Saturday, April 11, 2015. (Reuters)

Riyadh, 24 Jumadil Akhir 1436/13 April 2015 (MINA) – Saudis have been prevented from traveling to Syria because of the deteriorating security situation there.

Spokesman of the Directorate General of Passports Col. Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Lehaidan said that poor conditions and risks in Syria led to the decision to announce the ban until the situation improves.

Al-Lehaidan urged citizens not to breach the system to ensure they are not exposed to penalties. He said all regulations and instructions are available on the directorate’s website, Arab News quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting on Monday.

Some Saudis visit Syria because they have relatives in the war-torn country.

Meanwhile, at Al-Towal Port, Passport Director Capt. Hassan Smaili denied that citizens have been prevented from traveling to Yemen. He however said that Saudis who wish to go to Yemen could do so at their own risk. He said the number of people traveling through the port has decreased by 30 to 40 percent.

Mayor of Al-Towal Aleiwi Al-Inizi denied reports the port had been closed.

Local media persons visited the port with Ziyad Al-Aradi, director of customs, to observe exit and entry procedures and the issuance of permits for nationals who were expelled from Yemen.

Passengers coming through the port revealed their painful experiences. Abdullah Ahmad and Khalid Mahfouth said the journey to reach the Kingdom wasn’t easy because of the Houthis who were found all over harassing passengers. (T/P001/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)