Saudi builds war refugee homes
Saudi monarch calls for new homes for nationals relocated away from border war zone.
It is the king’s first visit to the area since the army began shelling the rugged border with northwest Yemen in early November.
Large deployment
The Saudi military is undertaking its largest mobilisation since the 1990-91 Gulf War following a minor border incursion by the Huthis, deploying fighter bombers, heavy artillery, special forces and naval vessels against the rebels.
The Saudis say they are acting to prevent the Huthis and other threats from crossing into Saudi territory, after a band killed a Saudi border guard and temporarily occupied two Jizan villages on November 3.
Analysts say the Saudis are also closely assisting Yemen’s government in its effort to crush the rebellion.
Saudi-owned regional daily Asharq al-Awsat reported on Wednesday that bombers and artillery continued to hit Huthi positions this week and that ground troops using armoured vehicles were patrolling the region to search for rebels.
Ten Saudi soldiers have died in the conflict, according to an unofficial toll.