Saudi army and naval Special Forces are now involved in the military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen and have carried out specific operations, said a top official.
Army Special Forces supplied weapons and communications equipment to militia loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the main southern city of Aden, an adviser was quoted as saying by Gulf Daily News.
Naval Special Forces provided “co-ordination and guidance” to enable the loyalist fighters to launch a counter-attack on the rebels.
Special Forces “will continue their engagements” with the fighters loyal to Hadi, who has sought refuge in Saudi Arabia, said the adviser.
A Saudi-led coalition began air strikes on March 26 against the Iran-backed rebels, but says it has no plans for now to deploy ground forces.
The adviser said Army and Navy Special Forces were also involved in operations against Houthi units that “invaded” Myun Island in the Bab Al Mandab Strait, through which much of the world's maritime trade passes.
The coalition announced earlier that air strikes had destroyed 'military equipment and missiles' on the island, which could have posed a threat to shipping.
“Special Forces have isolated the island as the operation continues to destroy all remnants of Houthi presence which was supported by foreign military technicians”, the Saudi adviser said.
Iran has dismissed as “utter lies” claims that it supplied weapons to Yemen, but a Western diplomat said “there have been a lot of shipments”.
Meanwhile, four people were arrested in Saudi Arabia after Security Forces raided an Islamist cell in Al-Qatif region that led to the killing of a Policeman, the Interior Ministry said, according to Al Arabiya News Channel.
During the raid, which took place in Al Awamiyah village, three Security Forces and other civilians were wounded.
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry said that Security Forces have uncovered large amount of weapons after the raid.
The official added that Corporal Majed bin Turki Al-Qahtani died after he was injured during an exchange of fire. He also said that the health of the civilians and Policemen who were wounded in the raid is stable.
Saudi Special Forces Carrying Specific Operations in Yemen
Al Arabiya Gulf Daily News – GDN07.04.2015 KSA
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