Riyadh Asharq Al-Awsat- Security source from the Saudi border guards in the Najran area told Asharq Al-Awsat that security measures have been tightened along the kingdom’s border with Yemen following the recent escape of 23 alleged Al-Qaeda elements from the political security jails in Sanaa, Yemen.
The source indicated that the tightening of security measures were in place before the prisoners had escaped to prevent the infiltration of any wanted persons and further highlighted that the border is characterized by strong security using both technological and human resources. Concerning fears that the escapees may have infiltrated into Saudi Arabia, the source admitted that this might be possible especially considering there are land and sea routes to exit Yemen.
On his part, Saudi representative for the Interior Ministry, Major General Mansour Al-Turki, stated that there is a possibility that the escapees could have gained access into the kingdom. He added, however, that the security authorities continue in their readiness to combat terrorism and the relevant measures are still in place. He stressed that Saudi anti-terrorism action is at its peak, particularly in its search for wanted persons.
Major General Mansour Al-Turki added that based on Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz assertion as well as Al-Turki’s personal opinion, terrorist acts in Saudi Arabia could not be ruled out unless the deviant ideology is destroyed from its roots. He added, “It is for this reason that the security willingness to combat terror continues to be strong and the relevant measures remain in place.”