10,000 houses for Jazan displaced

10,000 houses for Jazan displaced Arab News

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah examines the armed forces in Jazan during a visit to the front line close to the Yemen border on Wednesday. (AN photo by Khidr Al-Zahrani)   JAZAN: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah visited Jazan province on Wednesday to address the troops and tour the area of the border where fighting against infiltrators has taken place in recent weeks, the Saudi Press Agency reported. "The infiltrating terrorists intended to attack our nation when they encroached upon our territories and terrorized our peaceful people, undeterred by religion or ethical values the intruders shed the blood of the people," the king said in his address to the troops. "What we have to tell you (the infiltrators) is that you have exceeded all limits in your errors and embarked on an impossible task, and with the help of Allah we are capable of protecting our country and our people from all mischievous and evil infiltrators or mercenary terrorists ... we do not fear to speak the truth aloud and execute it. We do not ignore to care the regulations laid down by Allah while defending our religion and nation. "You (soldiers) have proved that you are the shield that protects the nation and you have proved to be fearless with hearts that trust upon Allah and you are endowed with strength that never knew fatigue. You have also proved that you are resolute soldiers." The king also asked the soldiers to put their trust in the Almighty and prayed for their success. The king also ordered the construction of 10,000 residential units for those who were evacuated from the border regions and put up in shelters during the visit. The king stipulated in the order that the homes should be ready and handed over to the deserving people within a year and should include schools and health facilities. On his arrival at the frontline at the southern border, the king was received by Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Khaled bin Sultan and Deputy Commander of the Ground Forces Maj. Gen. Prince Khaled bin Bandar, Commander of the Southern Region Maj. Gen. Ali Khawaji and other high ranking officers. The king was taken around in an open car among the various military units in the front. Jazan Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Nasser estimates that 15,000 people have been evacuated so far. "We don't know when they can go back to their homes but hopefully it will be soon," he said. The king arrived in Jazan's King Abdullah Airport in the afternoon. He was received by Prince Muhammad. Several fresh attempts to infiltrate into the Kingdom have been foiled by the military forces along the border in the provinces of Jazan and Najran. Reports also said all the infiltration attempts across the sea have been blocked by the Saudi Naval Force. Meanwhile, the General Affairs Division of the Saudi Armed Forces has set up a media center to track developments along the border and report from there. The media center is equipped with computers and cameras and Internet. The General Affairs also takes reporters to frontline positions where they are allowed to speak with soldiers and take photos. The Civil Defense in the border villages arranged various amusement programs for the evacuees living in camps on Tuesday. Civil Defense has also warned people in the camps to avoid ravines and wadis as heavy rains are predicted during the next few days.