[Since August 2009, Saudi Arabia has been battling the
Iranian-backed Believing Youth along parts of the
1,600-kilometer border in northern Yemen.
The Saudi Army has recently re-captured villages taken by the
Believing Youth in November 2009.
Saudi Arabia has reported the death of 82 soldiers in the war against
the Shi'ite rebels. Officials said at least 21 soldiers were missing in
operations in northern Yemen.]
Al Muhiya, who attended the Bahrain International Air Show in late
January, said the new GCC force would be located in the facility that served
as headquarters for the moribund Peninsula Shield, which has been
inactive for more than five years.
In an interview with Bahrain's Al Ayam daily on Jan. 21, the Saudi chief
of staff said Peninsula Shield would not be disbanded. He said the force
would retain its headquarters at King Khaled Military City along with the
rapid-deployment unit.
Other GCC states have not confirmed the Saudi plan. Several Gulf Arab
countries, particularly Oman and Qatar have refused to participate in GCC
forces out of fear of Saudi domination.
