http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=128078&d=5&m=11&y=2009
Thursday 5 November 2009 (18 Dhul Qa`dah 1430)
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.
- With input from Muhammad Al-Majid
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