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| Arabia |
| Saudis claim key mountain win over Houthis |
| 2009-11-29 |
| MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Saturday it had taken control of a strategic mountain on the Saudi side of the border with Yemen, clearing the area of Yemeni Shi'ite rebels. "The (Saudi) forces have taken control of Jabal (Mount) al-Dood ... These men have cleared this area," Defense and Aviation Assistant Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan told al-Ekhbariya Television, describing the peak as strategically important. He was shown speaking at what appeared to be an area near the frontline, and sounds of artillery fire could be heard. "Where we are now is less than 3 km (2 miles) away from the border (with Yemen) ... We are within our borders .. The (Saudi) forces are destroying all infiltrators," Prince Khaled said. "We try to keep losses at a minimum ... and not be drawn into a war in the mountains." Saudi Arabia started fighting Yemeni Shi'ite rebels -- known as Houthis -- earlier this month after it announced that they had killed two border guards in a cross-border incursion. A Yemeni military official told Reuters that Yemeni forces and Houthi rebels waged pitched battles on the outskirts of the northern city of Saada on Saturday after regular troops thwarted an attempt by the insurgents to enter the city. Saudi media frequently mention an al Qaeda presence among the Houthis and Yemen sees Iran's hand behind the rebels. Iran denies involvement and has called for Yemen's government to end the fighting through negotiations. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #2 Lawrence of Fabia is running the show. |
| Posted by: Perry Stanford White 2009-11-29 15:03 |
| #1 on the Saooodi side of the border? Jeebus. The Army of the Janitors of Them Two Places™ seems to keep securing victory in retreat |
| Posted by: Frank G 2009-11-29 00:17 |