Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has reported security dividends from its
new high-tech barrier along the border with Yemen.

Officials said the new security fence along the Yemeni border has helped
track smugglers and infiltrators. They said the fence, installed by French
contractors, was providing data on infiltration to a Saudi command and
control center in several southern provinces.

“Border Guard patrols noticed a group of smugglers attempting to enter into Saudi territory with the help of thermal cameras,” Saudi Border Guard spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdullah Mahfouz said.

[On Nov. 21, Saudi Arabia reported a mortar strike on a border post near Iraq and Kuwait. The Border Guard said six mortars were fired on Nov. 20 in an attack in which nobody was injured.]

On Nov. 19, Mahfouz, responsible for the unit in Jazan, said the new fence was helping track and intercept infiltrators from neighboring Yemen. He said officers intercepted smugglers on Nov. 17 and captured 17 AK-47 assault rifles.

“After an exchange of gunfire with the border guards, the smugglers
turned back and fled, abandoning their belongings, which included 18
Kalashnikov sub-machine guns,” Mahfouz said.

French contractors, including EADS and Thales, have been awarded the
project to establish a hi-tech barrier along the huge Saudi frontier.
Officials said the greatest challenge has been the 1,600-kilometer border
with Yemen, which contains mountains and caves ideal for concealment.

Saudi Arabia has bolstered its military and security presence in Jazan
amid the Shi’ite revolt in Yemen. Officials said Shi’ite rebels, armed and
trained by Iran, were believed to be transferring weapons to the Shi’ite
community in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Officials said the Saudi fence was also stopping Yemeni smuggling
through the Asir province. In two operations, the Border Guard captured more
than 400 kilograms of hashish smuggled over land and sea.

“There will be cameras and other sensors installed along the fence,” an
official said.

  Brig. Gen. Abdullah Mahfouz, Jazan, Saudis reap benefits from high-tech barrier at Yemen border, Shi’ite rebels