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Chief of General Staff: Operations in Yemen not Affected by Attack on Saudi Frigate | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Jeddah- Abdulrahman Al-Bunyan, chief of the General Staff of Saudi Arabia, said that the attack on the Saudi Frigate will not prevent the coalition forces from continuing their military operations, until they achieve their key target of helping the Yemeni people and the legitimate government in restoring the state and protecting it from Houthi militias.

“The terrorist attack underlines the importance of resisting Houthi militias that have become a regional threat,” added Bunyan.

Saudi Royal Navy Frigate “Al-Madinah” docked at King Faisal Naval Base of the western fleet in Jeddah on Sunday. Upon docking, it was received by Bunyan, Commander of Royal Saudi Navy Forces General Abdullah bin Sultan Al-Sultan, Commander of the Western region and Commander of the Western Fleet.

The captain of the ship stated that it was not affected by the attack as it continued to perform its tasks in its area of operations.

Brigadier General Naif al-Harbi, head of western fleet operations, said that the frigate was targeted when it was carrying out several tasks within the coalition forces to restore legitimacy in Yemen.

“The coalition ships have duties to do in the 1,852 kilometers Yemeni shore – They basically allow the entrance of licensed commercial ships after making sure they don’t contain suspicious or prohibited materials such as arms,” added Harbi.

Harbi continued that the boats are not allowed to exit the regional water, around 12 nautical miles, but can only move within a narrow scope. He also warned boats that crossing this distance would put their lives in danger.

“We are delighted at the Combined Maritime Forces to back legitimacy in Yemen. We are proud to fulfill our duty,” Harbi stated.