Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has tried to capture Iraq’s frontier with Saudi Arabia.

Iraqi sources said ISIL fighters advanced on the southern border point
of Arar along the Saudi frontier. They said the ISIL attempt, which appeared
to have failed, took place on late June 23 after Iraqi officers fled the
border facility.

“They entered the nearby town without any resistance,” a source said.

Saudi Arabia has denied an ISIL takeover of Arar. A commander in the
Saudi Border Guards, Maj. Gen. Faleh Bin Sayid Subai, said the border
remained calm and there were no reports of shooting.

“Any attempt to approach the border will meet with an immediate response,” Subai said.

In November 2013, an Iraqi Shi’ite militia claimed responsibility for
firing six mortars into Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The Iranian-backed
Mukhtar Army said the attack near Hafer Al Batin, nearly 500 kilometers from
Arar, marked a warning to the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom to stop
interfering in Iraq’s affairs.

  Arar, Maj. Gen. Bin Sayid Subai, Mukhtar Army, Saudis say Iraq border secure as ISIL reportedly seize outpost