Islam Times - Saudi Arabia shuts borders in north, east

Islam Times - Saudi Arabia has shut several areas along its northern and eastern borders within a range of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).

The Saudi Interior Ministry announced the new measure in a statement published on its website.

Sahir bin Mohammed al-Harbi, the spokesman of the Saudi Border Guard, said on Saturday that all Saudi citizens have been warned not to approach the designated border areas.

The city of Hafar al-Batin and the town of Ras al-Khafji, both located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, along with the city of Arar and the towns of Rafha, Turaif and Alaoiqilah, all situated in the country’s Northern Borders region, were among the areas whose frontlines were closed, Saudi Sabq online daily reported.

Furthermore, two districts in Saudi Arabia’s northern region of al-Jawf and two neighborhoods in northwestern Tabuk region were also affected by the new measure.

Harbi said that border forces have started to locate and mark the mentioned areas. They have also planted ground barriers and signs to keep people away from the aforesaid parts of Saudi Arabia, he added.

Any violation of the rules will result in prosecution, imprisonment of 30 months, and fines of 250,000 SAR (66,670 USD).

It is not clear why Saudi authorities have blocked access to the borders.