Saudi Arabia accused Israel today of bombarding Saudi Arabian coastal positions along the Gulf of Akaba three times within the last ten days.
In identical letters to the Security Council and to Secretary General Dag Hammarsk-jold, Sheik Abdullah al-Khayyal, permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, alleged that two additional “flagrant violations and provocations” were committed by the Israel navy in the Gulf of Akaba between May 27 and June 1.
Implying a threat of replying to the purported actions, Sheik al-Khayyal stated in his letter that the Saudi Arabian Government “reiterates its rights to undertake the necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.”
According to the Saudi Arabian complaint, elements of the Israel navy, sailing from Elath, bombarded coastal positions near Taba “with light and heavy fire” on May 27. The following day, the Arabian letter declared, Israeli destroyers bombarded Saudi Arabian positions in the Al-Tur area for over an hour. An area adjoining Al-Tur was allegedly brought under “light and heavy fire” on May 29. The two remaining instances in the Saudi Arabian grievance include allegations that Israel destroyers and gun boats came too close to the Saudi Arabian coast.
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