(WASHINGTON, DC) - Custodian of the Two Holy ‎Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree on counterterrorism yesterday.

King Abdullah stated that the new measures are meant to protect Saudi Arabia from those who ‎threaten the ideals of peace and security on which the Kingdom was founded. Furthermore, he ‎noted that counterterrorism measures, such as these, further Saudi’s mission of maintaining the ‎nation's religion, security, unity and cohesion.

‎“This new law reiterates King Abdullah’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms,” said ‎Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. “Saudi Arabia continues to ‎demonstrate its global leadership and dedication to combating terrorism.”‎

The decree reinforces that acts of terrorism, including membership in terrorist organizations, and ‎participation in hostilities outside the Kingdom, will not be tolerated. In addition, the new law ‎outlines a new committee, composed of representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of ‎Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, Ministry of ‎Justice, Grievances Board, and Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution, that will oversee many ‎aspects of these new policies.