Saudi to build military facilities on Yemen border

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Mohamed Bin Salman visited the Saudi city of Gizan on Sunday where new military facilities are to be built. The city lies on the border with Yemen and the new facilities will include a naval base as well as army camps in Gizan and Njran. New housing units and the expansion of the local hospital have also been ordered.

According to Saudi news agency SPA the minister’s visit came as the political situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate. Houthi rebels still occupy the capital Sana’a and have advanced on the southern city of Aden.

Bin Salman visited the centre of military operations along the Yemeni border and discussed tactics with senior officers during his visit. Saudi-controlled unmanned aircraft operate in the area.

Meanwhile, Houthi rebels have sent reinforcements to the south of Yemen, putting more pressure on Aden, where President Abed-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is taking refuge after fleeing house arrest in Sana’a. Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi called for the general mobilisation of his followers after days of pressurising militias allied to his group, including those loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Arabi 21 has quoted an informed source who said that Britain has evacuated all of its Special Forces who were in Yemen due to the deteriorating security situation. The ministry of defence in London refused to comment. America has also evacuated around 100 of its own Special Forces for the same reason.