RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has deployed 30,000 troops along its 8001(m border with Iraq, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television channel reportedon Thursday.

The deployment came as Iraqi forces abandoned their positions on the border, leavingitunprotected,thereport added.

King Abdullah had ordered that all necessary measures be taken to guard against potential threats, a Saudi Royal Court statement said.

The order came during a meeting of the Saudi National Security Council to discuss the fallout of developments in Iraq. `Concerned about Saudi Arabia`s security and to safeguard against terrorist organisations or any other groups that might endeavour to destabilise the kingdom, he (the king) has ordered all necessary measures to protect the gains of the homeland and its stability, and the security of the Saudi people,` the statement added.