Saudi soldier killed by cross-border fire amid Yemen war
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Saudi Arabia says a soldier has been killed by cross-border fire from Yemen amid the kingdom's campaign against Shiite rebels there.
The Interior Ministry announced early Sunday the soldier's death in the kingdom's Najran region as a result of shelling and intensive fire Saturday afternoon.
The war in Yemen began in 2014 after the Shiite rebels known as Houthis and their allies seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
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In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against the Houthi forces. It said its mission served in part as a counterbalance to Iran's influence following its nuclear deal with world powers.
Saudi-led airstrikes have come under international criticism for their heavy civilian casualties. The U.S., which had provided the coalition targeting assistance, pulled back its presence over it.