JAZAN: Saudi forces early on Thursday completed a two-day battle against Houthi infiltrators at the Jazan border.
Sources said that more than 40 Houthi fighters were killed as they were attempting to sneak into the Kingdom through Hathira, one of the border villages in Jazan. Hundreds of other forces later withdrew.
Membersof Houthi militias and the Republican Guards of ousted Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh attempted to control the village using snipers, Hawn and Katyusha missiles.
The sources described Houthi militia and Republican Guard operations as suicide attacks where a group would storm Saudi armored vehicles stationed on the border, using light weapons; at the same time, a group from the back would help the attackers by launching sniper attacks as well as firing Katyushas and mortar shells. However, all these attacks failed.
As dozens of the Houthis were killed on the first day, several of them withdrew only to return on the second day to attempte the same maneuvers.
Saudi forces used different kinds of artillery throughout the day while Apache helicopters conducted night operations along the entire borderline.
The Houthi militias and the Republican Guards tried using different tactics in this battle. Some of their snipers buried themselves under the soil and they used fake soldier modules in an attempt to divert the attention of the Saudi forces.
Security forces foil Houthi bid to infiltrate Jazan
Security forces foil Houthi bid to infiltrate Jazan
Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan
- Venus-crescent moon alignment visible in Northern Borders
- Meteorology center issuing swift weather alerts for pilgrims
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in the Kingdom with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In addition, the National Center for Meteorology has confirmed its readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
On Tuesday evening in Arar there was a rare alignment of the planet Venus with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan.
Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, the SPA said.
Meanwhile, as the faithful began fasting, the NMC announced the readiness of its observatories at the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and ensure aviation safety.
The NCM’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam said there would be round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the two holy mosques.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna smart applications. Ten-day forecasts and alerts will also be available via the Anwaa app and on guidance boards along highways.
The center has 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season, the SPA reported.
