Deputy Defence Minister Khaled bin Sultan 22 Dec announced suspension of large-scale military operations against Yemeni Houthi rebels along border; said 73 Saudi troops killed in conflict since Nov. King Abdullah 26 Dec declared all Yemeni “infiltrators” removed from Saudi territory. Authorities early month ordered construction of 10,000 homes for population relocated due to conflict.

Saudi forces 4 Nov launched ongoing offensive against Yemen-based Houthi rebels after rebels 3 Nov killed 2 security force members during incursion in Jabal Dukhan area. Officials 8 Nov said Jabal Dukhan retaken, 4 civilians, 3 soldiers dead; 28 Nov said Jabal al-Dood area cleared of rebels. Strikes against rebel positions in Yemen continued (see Yemen). Unicef 13 Nov reported 240 villages in border area evacuated.

Ismaili Shiite leader jailed in 2008 after calling for removal of Najran province governor released 21 Sept. Large groups of youths rioted 23 Sept on eve of national day in Khobar, Eastern Province.

Authorities 18 Aug revealed arrest of 44 alQaeda-linked militants planning armed attacks in July-Aug. Suicide bomber 27 Aug lightly wounded senior prince largely credited for anti-terrorism campaign; attack claimed by alQaeda. 17 minority Ismailis, detained in 2000 after unrest in Najran province, received royal pardon 24 Aug.

Authorities 12 July announced first verdicts in closed terrorism trials begun in March: of total 330 suspects, including 41 foreigners, 323 sentenced, including one death sentence; 7 acquitted.

60 leading Shiite figures from Eastern province affirmed loyalty to state 5 Apr, following previous call for secession by Shiite cleric; statement also called for end to sectarian discrimination, release of protesters arrested in previous weeks’ unrest. Authorities 7 Apr announced 11 suspected terrorists arrested near Yemen border.

Shiite pilgrims alleging harassment by religious police clashed with authorities in Medina; protest spread to Shiite towns in Eastern Province 24 Feb.

In continuing campaign against jihadism, interior minister said authorities had started to bring to court 991 prisoners detained on terrorism charges. 24 Oct OPEC decision to reduce output will require nearly 0.5m bpd cut by kingdom.

Govt 25 June reported 701 suspected of al-Qaeda links arrested in 2008; 520 still in custody. OPEC members 22 June committed to increase supply; Riyadh earlier promised to increase by 200,000bpd from July.