By Mohammed al-Kibsi
At least a Yemeni officer and a soldier have been killed in
clashes with al-Qaeda militants in the
south of the country, officials say.
The clashes took place in the suburbs of Zinjubar, capital
of Abyan province on Saturday.
At least six insurgents were also killed, according to
reports.
Militants linked to al-Qaeda, have exploited a security
vacuum in the region after months of anti-government protests. The militants
have raided Dubai Nights hotel in Aden killing at least three people and
wounded over 24 last Wednesday.
Local sources from Aden said that the militants raided the
hotel for dealing with prostitution and for selling alcohol.
A report released recently by Aba’ad (dimensions) foundation
stated that the al-Qaeda and their allies of the co called Ansar Sharia groups have extended their
presence to Shabwa and Lahj provinces. The same report said that the al-Qaeda
have changed the name of Ja’ar town that they have announced it as their Islamic
Emirate to Wagar.
The group has also controlled the schools of the towns under
their control and cancelled the National Education subject and replaced the
national anthem to a religious chanting.
The army is fighting to regain lost towns.
Reports of the latest violence varied. One unconfirmed
account said up to five soldiers and a child had been killed.
An official quoted by Reuters said the army had shelled
fighters from a group calling itself Ansar al-Sharia. A colonel and another
soldier were killed and three other soldiers wounded, the official said.
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