Saudi Arabia has recaptured an area seized by Yemeni rebels last week. Three Saudi soldiers died in the fighting, and fifteen were wounded.

Saudi forces carried out air strikes on Shiite rebels in northern Yemen after they crossed the border into Saudi Arabia and took control of the region of Jabal Dukhan. The rebels were incensed that Yemeni troops were attacking them from Saudi territory.

In Yemen, government forces are fighting both Shiite rebels in the north and separatists in the south. The al-Qaeda terrorist network is also strengthening its foothold in the country. Anxious at its southern neighbour's instability, Saudi Arabia is providing assistance to Yemeni forces in fighting the rebels.