Yemen Conflict Creates Saudi Problems

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi officials blame al-Qaida militants who crossed the southern border from Yemen for a shoot-out that left one police officer and two terrorists dead.

Aamer al-Shoais was killed during a shoot-out with al-Qaida militants at a checkpoint near the southern border with Yemen. Interior Ministry spokesman Gen. Mansour al-Turki said Shoais had stopped a car of men dressed in women's clothing believed to be hiding explosive belts, Emirati newspaper The National reports.

The spokesman said security officials believe the men were preparing for a suicide operation. Police found hand grenades and bomb-making materials in the militants' vehicle.

Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in al-Qaida activity as militants stream across the southern border from Yemen. Al-Qaida has looked to Yemen for sanctuary following a Saudi crackdown in 2006.

Meanwhile, spiraling conflict in Yemen between government forces and Shiite al-Houthi rebels has led Saudi officials to express concern al-Qaida is taking advantage of the situation.

Yemen launched a scorched earth campaign against al-Houthi rebels in early August. International aid groups and the United Nations have raised alerts that the conflict is creating a humanitarian disaster for thousands of families displaced by the conflict.

Rebel forces said recently, however, they are ready to open humanitarian corridors to allow relief agencies to reach those in need.

Source: Official Wire.
Link: http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=31404&catid=863.