Saudis suspend schools, flights in border area with Yemen for security concerns

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it has suspended all schools and flights in the southern Najran area, near the Saudi-Yemeni border, citing security concerns, local Al Arabiya news reported.

The decision was made for security reasons after Yemen's Shiite Houthi militias shot mortar shells from a mountainous region on borders with Saudi Arabia, said the report, adding that the mortar shells fell on a hospital and several houses in Najran.

Ahmed Asiri, a Saudi military spokesman, said the attacks have caused several injuries in the hospital, adding that the defense ministry will give further information later.

"We won't stay without a response, as all options are opened to protect the safety and security of our country," Asiri added, noting that the situation in Najarn is under control.

On Monday, the Al Arabiya news reported that Saudi-led coalition was considering imposing a truce in some areas to deliver humanitarian aid to its southern neighbor.

Earlier, the Saudi-led air strikes have destroyed the runway of Sanaa international airport, which halted the shipment of foreign aids to Yemen that has seen severe shortage of basic needs for about a month.

The battles and airstrikes have left more than 1,000 people killed and 3,000 wounded in the past month. The United Nations Children's Fund said at least 115 children have been killed and 172 maimed as result of the war.

Saudi Arabia, and eight other Arab states, have launched air strikes against the Shiite Houthi group and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullash Saleh since March 26, aiming to restore the exiled Hadi government.

The coalition forces announced halt of the air raids on April 21, saying they have "eliminated threats of the Shiite group to the regional countries and would turn to focus on political solutions. However, the Saudi-led forces have continued air strikes. Endit