Saudi eases border reprisals on al-Houthi

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia has eased reprisals against al-Houthi rebels positioned along its mountainous southern border, a Saudi government source said.

A report in The National, published in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, said assaults on the rebels were probably racheted back for fear of provoking a broader regional conflict. Abdulbari Taher, an independent political analyst cited in the report, said continued Saudi operations could involve Iran on the pretext of sectarian Sunni-Shiite strife.

Saudi attacks on al-Houthis followed last week's rebel attack on a border position that killed a Saudi border guard and wounded 11 others. At least two other Saudis have since been killed and four are said to be missing. Al-Houthi casualties are unknown.

The Saudi response included reported incursions into Yemeni territory, rebel sources said. Official government statements from Riyadh denied crossing into Yemen.

Mohammed Ayesh, another analyst cited by The National, said it is in the interest of al-Houthis to provoke Saudi cross-border incursions that could then turn a rebel insurgency or Yemeni civil war into broader open conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Ayesh said Iran might be drawn in to provide support to Yemen since it opposes regional allies of the United States, particularly Saudi Arabia.