KHUBA: Airstrikes against infiltrators will continue until they move away from the Kingdom’s southern border, Prince Khaled bin Sultan, assistant minister of defense and aviation for military affairs, was quoted by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying on Tuesday.
“We are not going to stop the bombing until the infiltrators retreat tens of kilometers inside their border,” Prince Khaled said during a visit to the Saudi armed forces in the southern province of Jazan.
Prince Khaled said that all areas along the Yemeni border have been cleared of infiltrators. “There is no intruder now along the Saudi border and it will be a death zone for those who dare to enter there,” he said. “The Border Guards are now in full control and they are supported by armed forces.”
He said the infiltrators had not requested for any talks with the Kingdom. Asked whether there was any agreement with Yemen to deal with these armed groups, Prince Khaled replied in the affirmative. “There are agreements and political contacts between the two countries.”
Prince Khaled refuted allegations that Saudi forces had entered Yemeni territory. “We have no enmity toward our brotherly neighbor Yemen and its trustworthy people. So I tell you to shake every hand that is extended to you and cut every hand that attacks you,” he told Saudi soldiers. Prince Khaled also said the Kingdom had fully secured its border against incursions.
The minister cautioned against those who spread allegations that contradict the Kingdom’s foreign policy. “Saudi Arabia will not interfere in the internal conflicts of any Arab country and will not side with countries fighting each other, except for making peace between them.” Prince Khaled confirmed that four Saudi soldiers were still missing. He, however, denied press reports that one of the missing soldiers had returned.
He earlier visited a group of Saudi soldiers on the border. Addressing the forces, the minister said the government was confident of their capabilities. He highlighted their role in protecting the Kingdom’s borders from intruders. “The flag of truth and justice will fly high,” he added.
Prince Khaled said the Saudi leadership was proud of the soldiers’ good work in cleansing the Jabal Dukhan border post of the infiltrators and regaining full control of the region. He said the quick action of Saudi forces had neutralized the infiltrators. “The Saudi people appreciate your actions. You are making history and we honor you. You will get the support of God,” the prince said.
Saudi forces are also engaged in providing shelter to people who have been evacuated from Jabal Dukhan and nearby villages. Brig. Hamoud Al-Hassani, director of Civil Defense in Jazan, said shelter camps in Uhd Masaraha had been provided with relief supplies and necessary facilities such as air conditioners.
Meanwhile, a number of families living in the shelter camps said they had been provided with enough food, clothing and other relief supplies by the Saudi authorities.
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal thanked GCC countries for supporting Saudi Arabia following the incursion. Addressing a meeting of GCC foreign ministers in Doha on Tuesday, he said Saudi forces have completed their operation against the infiltrators, adding that the incident would not affect Saudi-Yemeni relations.
Omani State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi Abdullah, current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, reaffirmed that the six-member group would stand by Saudi Arabia in its efforts to protect its borders. “We are confident that Saudi Arabia is capable of securing its borders.” Abdullah also pledged GCC’s support for the security of Yemen.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa condemned the border aggression and demanded a speedy end to the internal problems in Yemen.
Syria also denounced the attack by intruders and said the Kingdom had every right to defend its sovereignty, an SPA report said.
— With input from Muhammad Al-Majid
