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Saudi Gazette report
EVER since the launch of Operation Decisive Storm two years ago, the people and soldiers in the South have shown complete loyalty to the nation by dutifully protecting the Kingdom and sacrificing their lives for the sake of the nation.
Although the Houthi rebels have, on more than one occasion, launched ballistic missiles at Jazan, Najran and other places in the South, local residents remain unmoved and continue to go about their everyday lives as usual. Al-Riyadh daily spoke with several families who live near the border regions and continue to offer their unconditional support to Saudi soldiers stationed nearby. For many, home-cooked meals and providing other necessities to soldiers is a duty they owe to society.
Mahdi Al-Yammi, who lives in a town close to the border with Yemen, said the people of his town and those in nearby feel safe and secure and have full faith in Saudi soldiers.
“The people of my town are vigilant and stand against anyone who tries to sneak across the border and cause mayhem. Besides, we are confident that our soldiers will perform their duties and defend the country and make sure all citizens are safe and secure. The failed attempts of Houthis to target nearby towns and villages and launch missiles at them do not and would not scare us. Our children go out every day and play in the streets just like they used to do before the launch of Operation Decisive Storm,” he said.
Matra Nasser, a Saudi woman who lives in a village near the Saudi-Yemeni border, said all the people in her village have great respect for the Saudi soldiers who protect the border region and are ready to sacrifice their lives.
Matra has been working as a cook for the past ten years, which is her sole source of income. Matra and her husband always take as much food as they can to soldiers stationed nearby because they consider it a national duty to help them.
“We have unswerving loyalty to this country and its love runs in our blood. It is our duty to help in protecting it against anyone who tries to attack and destabilize its security. Giving lunch to soldiers makes my husband and me happy,” she said.
Sultan Daghman is a young teacher who lives in Najran. He formed a volunteer group of young men and women to help the injured, orphans, elderly and the families of the soldiers stationed near the border. They send food, money, kitchen utensils and many other essential items to the people in the border regions.
“I coordinate all the efforts and make sure food, blankets, medications and other things get to the families that need them. All members of the team are happy because this is part of our national duty as citizens of our beloved Kingdom,” he said.
Khalid Alwani, who lives in a village in Jazan, said children and young men still play soccer every day and women still go out. Everyone feels safe because of the Saudi soldiers stationed nearby. He said he sees a lot of tourists come to Jazan just like every year to enjoy the weather and the beautiful scenery of the region.
“Children go to school, shops are open, government offices are operating as usual and nothing has been disrupted,” he said.
