Gunmen kill five Saudi border guards

RIYADH, July 25 (KUNA) -- Five Saudi border guards were killed while battling a group of gunmen who attempted to penetrate the Saudi territories via the border with Yemen, the interior ministry announced Monday.
The gunmen have been monitored by the Saudi guards at Thar border point earlier while trying to enter the Saudi territories from several areas through Khabbash province of the Najran region, the ministry said in a press statement.
The Saudi guards reacted immediately to the situation, exchanging fire with the trespassers and foiling their attempt with the aid of the Saudi ground forces, said the ministry.
The armed confrontation lasted for over eight hours, resulting in the death of five Saudi guards: Suleiman Al-Maaidi, Mousa Al-Marhabi, Abdullah Sharaheely, Marzouq Lasoum, and Jaber Al-Aalawee. (end) yms.ma