Our country's achievements are coming up in a series one after another, thanks to the wise policies of our leadership who has done a lot for our homeland and whose care and attention makes us feel proud for belonging here. The clearing of the southern borders from the armed infiltrators who are known to have received training on modern combat techniques and skills and who use and possess modern and sophisticated arms and equipments and who use the media to promulgate lies and misguiding information. That is why we were prompted to cast light on the series of victories achieved by our valiant heroes. To depict the true image of what happened we were privileged by the following interview with Commander of Jazan Force and the commander in charge of clearing the border strip His Excellency staff Major General Hussein Ibn Mohammad Hussein Ma'lawi.
Q: How would you evaluate the quick response of the Armed Forces and the swift deployment of troops in the operation area to deal with the situation?
A: I can proudly say the Armed Forces responded to the deployment in the theater of operations in a wonderful, swift and honorable way, with the first units arriving in the area within just a few hours. As for the actual engagement in combat, I can assure you that the advance guard of the forces arrived on the evening of 15/11/1430H and began to engage the enemy early next day where we lost our first martyr – may Allah take him under His mercy – in the afternoon of that day at Jabal Addood (Mount Addood). He belonged to light infantry battalion 33 of Jazan Force.
Q: As commander of Jazan Force you must have been well-informed about what was happening on the other side of the border between the rebels and the brotherly government of Yemen… Did it ever cross your mind that the rebels would one day violate the Kingdom's territory?
A: No, I never expected the rebels to violate the Saudi territories for many reasons, most importantly that our external relations with the brotherly people of Yemen are based on fraternity and religion. As such we never expected that a bunch of mercenaries who betrayed their own country, their people and their government to attack us or dare to touch the land whose good deeds have reached every corner of the world.
Q: What capabilities and what combat skills did the infiltrators have in terms of training and qualification? And how do you rate the aggressors' fighting abilities?
A: That's a good question because the answer tells you about the type of infiltrators. My own impression is that they possess high combat capabilities, that they have good experience and the fighting performance they have displayed was very high. To me that means they have been subjected to a well –prepared training program which was probably conducted by men of good expertise and not simply ordinary people and that the training went on for a long time.
Q: Did the infiltrators follow any particular tactics to surprise and engage our troops?
A: Yes, they were using the familiar tactics of guerrilla warfare, most importantly ambushing. They used this tactic with Special Forces (85) while they were advancing for the reconnaissance of Jabal Addokh an (Mount al-Dokhan) during the first week of the war.
We suffered the loss of several martyrs among whom was the commander of special forces battalion 85 of the land forces lieutenant colonel Sa'eed Al-'Amri – may Allah take them all under His mercy. They also used many infiltration tactics to reach attack positions. They concealed themselves so well until they make you believe they have abandoned their position and then they suddenly appear again.
Q: What tactics did the terrorist bands use to attack a given target?
A: They used to move in four groups as follows:
•The Distraction Group: This group could be close to the target or far from it. Its aim is to attack the defense position to which it may come as close as possible, in a large number, with heavy fire to give the impression that it wants to attack, or it may be far from the target in less numbers only to distract the target and draw his attention to the fire source until the ammunition runs short or goes very low, then comes the attack by the storming group.
•The Reconnaissance Group: This group is assigned the task of keeping watch on the target(s) or positions, taking note of all the movements and passing all the information on to the command. The work of those intelligence elements pays to release pressure on any of the other groups.
•The protection Group whose task is to intervene whenever such intervention is needed.
•The Storming Group: The task of this group is to keep close to the target, wait until the Distraction Group dries up the position's ammunition and then assault them in a surprise attack.
Q: The terrain between the Kingdom and brotherly Yemen are among the most intricate border lines …. How did our forces manage so successfully through the area's topography?
A: Our forces were not only fighting the aggressor but they were also face-to-face with a variety of mountain ranges all with very difficult paths not to speak of the difficult woodlands, forests, valleys and mountain passes which form the main characteristic features of the area extending over a length of 320 km with a hot confrontation line of 68 km. the natural features and the area terrain were a true enemy fighting alongside the aggressors who leaned heavily on it since they began to entrench and to plan for the operations along time ago. As to how we were able to overcome that, I can only say that happened by the grace of Allah first and then thanks to the solid resolve of our men who were so strongly determined to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The first thing we did was to select the units of Special Forces supported in the plain areas by other divisions picked from the other army units. Then we began to establish preliminary posts as footholds for our troops on mountain peaks and plains. The next phase was to establish our lines of movement in the plains and the fortified defense posts upon the mountains. Those were soon expanded and work was begun for building roads and finding passes on the mountain peaks and at mountain feet to facilitate and speed up the movement of troops. That was not as easy as I said it now. The road building was taking place under a barrage of enemy fire that came from many directions. So, we decided to use armored engineering to protect the equipment operators from being hit by marksmen who were firing from every direction. Our successful activation of all the battle systems in a simultaneous orchestrated way gave us upper hand in controlling the enemy's movements and resistance until the mission was concluded. You could see the artillery, the air force squadrons, Land Force squadrons and navy squadrons all striking the enemy positions in a continuous bombardment of air raids and artillery fire. At the same time, engineering equipment continued their task of road building and finished their work against the will of the enemy and despite the stiff resistance they had put up. It is quite relevant to say here that the Armed Forces, in this war, followed a policy of laying control to enemy positions and the patient control of adversary natural elements, then taking positions to start an offensive against the enemy at the right time.
Q: Do you want to say something about the valiant martyrs of this war?
A: I say to our valiant martyrs, when we all came hand in hand to the battleground we all sang: here we are to answer the call of the homeland. And when we arrived, we sang: here we are to answer the call of the southern border. And before that, our song in the morning march was: You, who have ambitions to take our land, are mistaken… For you don't know that this is a well-defended and protected land. Now the war is over with this marvelous triumph which forced the aggressors to admit they were committing suicide by violating the national soil of our beloved country. I will pen my testimony to history and to our martyrs that we all came hand in hand to the battleground. Today, tomorrow or after tomorrow we will go back to the camps that we had started from and we will cry that you are not there to go back with us. We cry for your departure because you are still alive in our memory and our hearts when we remember how you fell in the battle upon the top of mountains, in the lowlands where the valleys run, the woodland, the plains and the forests. Our sadness continues because you passed away leaving behind your children, your mothers, your brothers and sisters, your relatives and your colleagues. We feel sad because we know there are people who feel a greater pain than ours; the sons and daughters who became orphans, your wives who are widowed. But we, at the same time we feel better when we remember that Allah – Glory for Him – who created us and created you and the whole universe says in the Holy Quran: "Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord". and says: "And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive it not." and says: "Allah hath purchased the Believers, their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden of Paradise); they fight in His cause and slay and are slain: A promise binding on Him in Truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Quran."
In view of this, and based on these Quranic Truth, we rejoice that Allah has given you so much better than this worldly life. If you live one thousand years and then die by natural expiry, you will never have this dreamlike award promised by the Creator of the universe.
To the families of the martyrs I say that I swear by Allah twice that Allah has granted each martyr a life that is far better than this worldly life of difficulty, hardships and changing conditions. I swear to Allah that he lives in a world that is better than your world which is the Garden of Paradise. He has joined a family that is better than you as long as you remain in this world and then will be all alike when you shift from this life to the Hereafter. The martyr will be waiting for you because he will have intercession for you that you may – by the will of Allah - be admitted to the Garden of Paradise. You may all rejoice that your martyr was raised to life in upper paradise, the bounties of which have never been seen or heard of by the eyes or ears of a mortal.
Q: Have the infiltrators all been crushed and has all the land been cleared? How do you look to the future?
A: Yes all infiltrators within our territory were crushed and all the Saudi Lands were cleared. This was announced by HRH Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, assistant minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs and General Supervisor of the Theater of operations. But I should point out here that in all countries of the world there is an infiltration problem by people who illegally cross international borders for the purpose of smuggling, which is an eternal phenomenon… but for armed infiltration aimed at violation, it has been terminated.
For the future, I would say that the bribed group of mercenaries who are driven by the distorted thinking of satanic men should not be believed in their false allegations. It is a group who is trying to hide its true intensions, so I believe we should be open to all possibilities and be ready, for they have betrayed their own government and their people five times. Given that, how can anyone believe we can have a good future while they are there? They are advocating the life of cavemen and preaching distorted thought. They are the children of darkness not the broad light of the day. It is now the greatest and highest of all duties to be ready to push back their cunning attacks and their treachery.
Q: Through their media, the aggressors are passing a message that they pulled out by their own free will… how would you comment?
A: More than one month before the so-called initiative of their “master” was surfaced, HRH Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs and General Supervisor of the Theater of Operations, had announced that the Saudi territories were cleared of all infiltrators and aggressors. This, I think, is enough answer to their lies and false allegations on their voluntary withdrawal. I assure you that we did destroy them on our land – by the grace of Allah – and then thanks to the support of our leaders and to the heroic deeds of the brave warriors of the Armed Forces. The few survivors who escaped death by our fire had to leave in humiliation and fear after they suffered defeat and routing out. I can also add that the number of their dead whom they had left behind, and were found later, exceeded all limits of expectation.
Q: How would you describe the capabilities of the Saudi soldier?
A: The Saudi soldier has displayed high capabilities which were best shown in memorable forms of heroism and self-sacrifice. They were men who wanted to pass as martyrs. Despite the difficulties created by the natural environment, conditions of war in rugged mountain areas and the well-trained battle – hardened enemy, the only thing I noticed on the Saudi soldiers was a firm resolve on triumph or a martyrs’ death. They have shown great patience and persevarance, self-confidence and a capability enhanced by a good technical and tactical training at all levels. Armed by the faith of leaning on Allah Almighty and then on their own work, they faced the difficult situation and handled it with great courage and capability.
Q: How do you value the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the battlefield? What kind of impact did it produce on the morale of the Saudi warrior?
A: It was a marvelous visit and a generous gesture from a leader that we call a great king by all standards. It did produce a huge positive effect that went so deep in the hearts of the men. He was keen on directing us to take care and try to spare the lives of his sons in the battlefield; a well said direction by a beloved King, experienced leader, compassionate father and supreme commander of all Armed Military sectors to men who are ready to sacrifice their souls to save him anytime and everywhere, I mean his sons the Army personnel.
Q: You have recently been visited by HRH Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Can you describe the impact of that visit?
A: That blessed visit was delightful in two ways: In the first place to see HRH among his sons the Army personnel upon the border strip all safe and sound after the medical treatment trip was in itself a jubilee for us the Armed forces personnel. The second happy occasion was the patronage of HRH of the ceremony held to mark the clear victory over the aggressor infiltrators, in addition to the great boost it gave to the morale of HRH’s soldiers in the battlefield. I must also add that the generous gesture made by HRH by offering a 50-million-riyal gift for his sons the Armed Forces personnel in Jazan and for all frontline troops stationed along the border strip. The gift has had its good effect on everybody and it is no wonder to see the generous Prince Sultan doing this.
Q: What about HRH Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz’s visit at the beginning of the war?
A: It was a successful and supportive visit for us during which he conveyed regards and good wishes from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Our zeal and determination were much further increased when we saw HRH (Prince Abdul Rahman) shouting “There is no God But Allah” and “Allah is Greatest” by the muzzles of guns which were throwing their fire at our enemies and the enemies of all peoples. Such was what he did upon hearing the sound of gunfire which he described as a pleasant music because they were defending our national territories.
Q: We have seen the repeated visits of HRH Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and general Supervisor of the theater of operations and the continuous tours he made of the province including the farthest extremes. What was your impression and the troops’ impression?
A: I have seen all the signs and distinguished qualities of a great commander in this man. He was so good at planning and guidance. He possessed a clear vision, and is a man of wisdom, forbearance, firmness and solid determination. We have achieved victory and were safely anchored thanks to his wise leadership and continuous support. His many visits to his soldiers on the battleground in a site that was actually being cleared and the fact that he passed the men one by one did have a great effect in lifting the morale of the officers, the NCOs and the soldiers. Through this successful magazine of yours I would tell HRH the Prince: I congratulate the leaders and the nation for having you O Commander! And I congratulate you on those leaders and on that country.
Q: How do you value the roles of the different Army Units?
A: Those units have indeed painted a gorgeous image of close cooperation among themselves, and I would proudly say that Army Units have carried out the combat operations in the most wonderful manner and with a most skillful performance. Through this magazine, I would like to express thanks and appreciation to his Excellency General Saleh Ibn Ali Al-Mohayya, Chief of General Staff for his continuous keenness and concern, to HH Staff Vice Admiral Prince Fahd Ibn Abdullah Al-Saud Commander of the Royal Saudi Navy, HH Staff Air Marshal Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Fahd al-Faisal, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, his Excellency Lieutenant General Engineer Abdul Aziz Ibn Mohammad Al-Hussein, Commander of the Air Defense Forces, his Excellency Staff Lieutenant General Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdullah Al-Murshed, Commander of the Land Forces and HRH Staff Major General Prince Khalid Ibn Bandar Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the Land Forces for the support and efforts they have contributed in compliance with the directions of HRH Prince Khaled Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minster of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General and Supervisor of the Theater of Operations.
Q: What closing remarks do you want to add now?
A: Yes, I want to say that myself, my colleagues, my brothers and sons the Army personnel in Jazan province are overwhelmingly happy, delighted and rejoicing at the return of our beloved father and builder and reviver of our Armed Forces, HRH Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to the land of the forefathers after his medical treatment trip, for Allah has blessed us by granting him recovery. As military men, we will never forget that the first thing he did after his return was to visit the injured solders of the Armed Forces. The famous kiss on the foreheads of the men he visited is, to us, a decoration on the forehead of every martyr, every injured man and everyone in the field. We, in the field can only announce our happiness and delight at the return of HRH, the symbol figure who has a special place in the hearts of the Army Personnel of Jazan Province. I seize upon the opportunity to submit to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to HRH the Crown Prince and to the noble people of Saudi Arabia this clear victory… And I pray to Allah for the safety and preservation of our good leaders and the sincere sons of this generous, open-handed country.