Yemen rebels say Saudi jets using phosphorus bombs

Local Editor, 9-11-2009

Yemen rebels in the north caught between a deadly government onslaught and air raids from across the border on Monday said Saudi warplanes were using phosphorus bombs against them.

"The Saudi air raids resumed this morning. Saudi combat fighter jets launched intense raids against border areas inside Yemeni territory on Sunday night," rebel spokesman Mohammad Abdessalam told AFP by telephone.

"The Saudi military used phosphorus bombs during those night raids, burning mountainous regions."

He said that the raids targeted Malaheez, seven kilometres (3.8 miles) inside Yemen, as well as the border villages of Hassameh and Shida and several villages around Jebel al-Dukhan mountain straddling the border.

"We are always present in Jebel al-Dukhan," the spokesman said, denying allegations that Riyadh had taken control of the area.

"We expect a ground attack," Abdessalam said, adding that the rebels had captured Saudi soldiers in a recent incursion.