RIYADH, Feb 19: Saudi Arabia has handed over 19 Yemenis to Sana'a detained on security charges. This latest extradition follows earlier handing over of wanted men by both Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The two states are faced with uprising from extremists elements.

Saudi Arabia has a long 1,800 km porous border with Yemen. Security people here accuse that many wanted elements cross to the other side of the border to avoid being caught up. Tribes in the border areas have relations on the other side and have been crossing over for centuries.

A statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency said the 19 had been held in various security cases, but did not say when they were repatriated or give details. It also did not give details of when and where these men were arrested. The last such extradition was in May 2004, when Riyadh handed over 14 Yemenis and received one Saudi national.