11.11.2009
Saudi Arabia started naval blockade against north coast of Yemen to prevent transfer of weapons and combatants for Shia rebels, said Tuesday Associated Press referring to government adviser at the Kingdom wished to remain anonymous. Saudi channel Al-Arabiya also reported of blockade.
According to the source, Saudi ships were ordered to search suspicious vessels in Red Sea near Yemen's north coast.
Recently, Saudi land and air force dislodged Shia militants from mountainous area at the Yemeni border.
Yemen and Saudi Arabia accuse Iran in supporting Shia combatants with arms and money; they launched civil war in Yemen five years ago. Iran denies its involvement in rebels backup. On Tuesday Islamic Republic called neighbor countries to keep out of Yemen's internal affairs.
Manpower of Saudi Royal Navy is about 15 000 men, including 3 000 marines. Operational-strategic divisions are West Fleet (responsibility zone is Red Sea, headquarters – in Riyadh) and East Fleet (responsibility zone is Persian Gulf, headquarters – in Al-Jubail). Saudi Navy is armed with 7 French-made frigates, 4 American-made corvettes, 3 British-made mine warfare vessels, 9 American-made patrol boats and 2 French-made auxiliary vessels. All corvettes and 4 frigates were built in 80-ies, most of patrol boats – in 70-ies.
Source: RusNavy.com
