Saudi coast guard arrests 21 Iranians

[Arabian Legend]

January 4, 2013

Saudi Arabia Arrests 21 Iranian “Intruders”


Alert members of the Saudi Coast Guard foiled an attempt of a group of Iranians to enter the Kingdom. They arrested 21 Iranian nationals on Wednesday who were trying to sneak into Saudi Arabia on two separate boats.

Khaled Al-Arqubi, a spokesman for the Coast Guard Command in the Eastern Province, told Arab News yesterday that the naval patrol intercepted two Iranian boats in the Saudi territorial waters near an island called Harqous, located about 42 miles off Al-Khafji coast.

“One boat had 12 people, while the other one was carrying nine people. All of them are Iranian nationals,” said Al-Arqubi. “We did not find any weapons on them, but the investigations are on, and they are being interrogated,” he added

http://www.eurasiareview.com/04012013-saudi-arabia-arrests-21-iranian-intruders/

 

[Arabian Legend]

TEHRAN – The Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia confirmed on Friday that 21 Iranian nationals have been arrested near al-Harqus island, 42 miles off the kingdom’s eastern coast, for illegal entry.

Reuters quoted the Saudi border guard as saying on Thursday, “One of the marine patrols was able to seize two Iranian boats on Wednesday inside Saudi regional waters.”

It added, “One of the boats had 12 people and the other nine people… All of them are Iranians and are being questioned.”

Speaking to the Persian service of the Mehr News Agency, Ambassador Mohammad Javad Rassouli Mahallati said that Iran has requested Saudi authorities to investigate the issue.

Rassouli Mahallati announced on January 1 that six Iranians arrested for illegal entrance into Saudi waters had been released.

EP/AM


Ambassador confirms 21 Iranians arrested by Saudi coast guard - Tehran Times