Saudi Arabia leads condolences to Algeria over forest fires victims

Algerian firefighters battled a string of blazes, fanned by drought and a blistering heatwave, that have killed at least 38 people and left destruction in their wake. (AFP)

• The rest of the Gulf countries released statements of “sincere condolences and sympathy” with the poeple of Algeria

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia led messages of condolences to Algeria over the victims of the wildfires that ravaged forests across different provinces, claiming at least 38 lives and injuring scores more.

The fires, triggered by drought and a blistering heatwave, spread throughout El-Tarf region near Algeria’s eastern border with Tunisia, forcing hundreds to flee their homes.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to the Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, state news agency (SPA) reported.

In their cable, the king and crown prince conveyed “profound sorrow and sincere sympathy” to the president and families of the deceased, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The rest of the Gulf countries - UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar - released statements of “sincere condolences and sympathy” to the families of the victims and reaffirmed solidarity with the Algerian government over the raging wildfires.

Offering condolences, Nayef Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed the solidarity and support of the Gulf countries with Algeria. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
In a phone call, Tunisian President Kais Saied extended “heartfelt condolences” to his Algerian counterpart.

According to a presidency statement, Saied drew parallels between both countries in their fight against wildfires and vowed to dedicate Tunisia’s resources to support the Algerian people.

Jordan, Libya and Palestine voiced full support and solidarity with Algeria, with Sudan affirming “full confidence” in the ability of the Algerian government to address and overcome these challenging times.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was also among the parties that expressed full solidarity with Algeria. Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha offered “sincere condolences” to the people and government of Algeria, reiterating support for the country and expressing “confidence in the ability of the Algerian leadership to overcome this crisis.”