Yemeni rebels attack border post in Jazan

Yemeni rebels attack border post in Jazan Muhammad Humaidan I Arab News

Saudi soldiers carry the body of Turki Al-Qahtani during his funeral in Jazan on Wednesday. (AFP)   JAZAN: A Saudi border guard was killed and 11 others were injured when armed infiltrators from across the Yemeni border fired on Saudi border guards. The incident took place at Dukhan Mountain close to the Khald border post in Al-Khoba sector of Jazan province on Tuesday, a Saudi official source said on Wednesday. "The Kingdom affirms that it will preserve the homeland's security, protect its borders and deter infiltrators and others from any side. The infiltrators used various weapons to fire at border guards," the official source added. After leading the funeral prayers for Turki Al-Qahtani, the border guard killed in the incident, Jazan Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Nasser said, "Al-Qahtani has been martyred fighting for his country and religion. A rebel group (in Yemen) has stretched its evil hand into Saudi territory. We wish the Yemeni government and its citizens lasting security and stability on its northern and southern borders. You all know that the Kingdom has been striving to preserve the stability of Yemen." The prince continued, "The Kingdom under no circumstances can allow anyone to cross the red line and interfere with the country's security and stability." The governor also stated that the situation in Al-Khoba was under control and that the infiltrators would be dealt with firmly. "They should know that they would be punished for the hostile act they committed." The governor also offered condolences to the family of Al-Qahtani on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif and all the citizens of Saudi Arabia. Evacuated villagers in the region told Arab News that the infiltrators were Al-Houthi rebels fighting against the Yemeni government. All villages south of Al-Khoba, including Al-Mujaa, Al-Rouqi, Al-Maqbas, Qamadah, Al-Arrah, Al-Batoul, Khamran, Al-Muarasah and Al-Ghawiyah have been evacuated. "Tuesday was a black day for us because we were attacked without provocation by Al-Houthi rebels. All members of my family have been evacuated. But we will not allow anyone to harm our country. After sending our women and children to safe locations, our men will return to their villages to defend them," Isa Al-Hazazi of Al-Rouqi village told Arab News. Sheikh Muflih Al-Kaoubi, the chief of Al-Kaoub tribe, said "We will die for every inch of our land. Our villages are the theater of operations. We will stay with the soldiers and will not flee leaving the place for rebels." The injured Border Guards include Ali Sharahli, Musa Al-Qanaei, Sultan Hamzi, Musaed Hakami, Sami Alwan, Ali Al-Qauzi, Ayman Al-Abdali, Abdullah Al-Ashmani, Musa Ali and Nabil Rayani. Residents of villages living in the area told Arab News Saudi security and military forces had cleaned up the area by flushing out the remaining infiltrators. They also reported sounds of intensive airstrikes from the border areas. Some sources said Jazan airport was closed for passenger traffic with incoming flights being diverted to nearby airports.