Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia is battling Iranian-backed Shi’ite fighters from Yemen.

Saudi officials said security forces have been reinforced along segments of the 1,600 kilometer border with Yemen.

The officials said fighters linked to the so-called Houthi movement were seeking to infiltrate the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

“They are growing stronger and more confident,” an official said.

On April 9, two Saudi soldiers were killed in an attack by suspected Shi’ite gunmen.

The Saudi Interior Ministry, which reported a joint investigation with Yemen, said a Saudi Border Guard patrol came under heavy gunfire in the southwestern province of Asir.

“The patrol responded to the attack,” Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al Turki said.

The Saudi province of Asir borders Yemeni Shi’ite rebel strongholds. Houthi, which the United States has determined received Iranian support, has dominated the northern Yemeni province of Saada.

Diplomatic sources said Saudi Arabia has been concerned that Iran would
intensify military support for Houthi. Over the last few months, both Iran
and Iraq accused Riyad of supporting the Sunni revolt in the Iraqi province
of Anbar.

Houthi has expanded operations and deploying fighters near the Yemeni
capital of Sanaa. Yemen has reported clashes with the Yemen Army in the
northern province of Amran, which on April 10 killed three soldiers.

“Should current tensions in Amran escalate into violence, humanitarian
partners will not be able to deliver much needed assistance, particularly to
Amran City,” United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Johannes Van
Der Klaauw said.

  Asir province, Houthis, Maj. Gen. Mansour Al Turki, Saudi reinforces border with Yemen in battle against Iran-backed Shi’ites