Saudi jets attack Shi’ite rebel positions inside Yemen
CAIRO - Saudi Arabian warplanes attacked Shi’ite rebel strongholds in northern Yemen yesterday in a surge of fighting along the border following the death of a Saudi security official at the hands of insurgents, according to news reports.
Saudi fighter jets targeted up to six rebel positions inside Yemen and along the mountainous border. Saudi troops were reportedly heading toward the region to secure villages and prevent further cross-border incursions from Houthi rebel forces that have been battling the Yemen government sporadically since 2004.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, Saudi air strikes “began on their [rebel] positions in northern Yemen,’’ an adviser to the Saudi government who asked not to be named told Reuters. “There have been successive air strikes, very heavy bombardment of their positions, not just on the border but on’’ rebel camps around the northern city of Saada.
The Yemeni government had not released its version of the Saudi offensive, but Al-Jazeera quoted a Defense Ministry official as saying: “Saudi Arabia did not hit targets in Yemen.’’
The prospect of violence spilling over from its southern neighbor has troubled the kingdom for years. Yemen, the poorest Arab country, is attracting militants from Al Qaeda who are seeking to overthrow the government and launch attacks across the Middle East, according to US officials. The Saudis fear Al Qaeda elements will exploit Yemen’s instability, infiltrating the kingdom to attack government targets and oil installations.
In August, a Saudi militant living in Yemen traveled to the kingdom and, armed with hidden explosives, blew himself up at a palace reception. The attack lightly wounded Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, a member of the Saudi royal family and the country’s top counterterrorism official. On Tuesday, militants believed to be linked to Al Qaeda ambushed and killed two Yemeni police chiefs and three guards.
At least 40 rebels reportedly have been killed in Saudi air strikes, which were launched after insurgents crossed into the kingdom on Tuesday and killed a Saudi security officer and wounded 11 others in a raid near Jebel Dukhan.
The rugged northern Yemen region along the Saudi border is home to tribes and clans that largely live beyond the reach of the government.
