“The armed forces completely control Al Dood mountain, one of the most strategic regions,” Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz said during an inspection of troops on the border, quoted in the official Saudi media.
Saudi forces have “cleaned up every inch of Saudi territory,” he said, warning that “any person who infiltrates or sniping will end up either surrendering or dead.”
He was shown on Al Ekhbariya Television 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 3km 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.”
Open fighting erupted on November 3 between Saudi forces and Houthi militants, Zaidi Shias battling Yemen’s government, after a group of Houthis killed a Saudi border guard and occupied two small Saudi villages.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry announced that nine soldiers had gone missing in the conflict. At least another nine troops and four Saudi civilians have been killed, according to an unofficial tally.
Saudis have deployed fighter-bombers, heavy artillery, special forces and marines to force Houthis away from the border and stop illegal border crossing.
A Yemeni military official said 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 Arabia fears growing instability in Yemen could turn into a major security threat by allowing Al Qaeda to gain a stronger foothold in the poverty-stricken country.
The Houthis belong to the Zaidi sect of minority Shia Islam, and complain of social, economic and religious marginalisation by the government. Both sides deny their aims are sectarian.
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.
Prince Khaled also said Saudi forces had captured 75 Ethiopians and 70 Somalis in border operations, and said they were being interrogated, without specifying if were involved with Houthi forces.
Yemen has tens of thousands of refugees from East Africa, mainly Somalia, many of whom try to sneak into Saudi Arabia to find jobs.
