Over a hundred hardcore al-Qaeda terrorists are being sought and engaged by government security forces in Yemen as thousands of residents have fled the village of Hawta where the terrorists are engaging the troops.
The US-backed government campaign to flash out the dreaded al-Qaeda militants has dislocated families in the affected areas as troops moved in with their tanks and armored vehicles to confront the militants. A number of casualties have been initially reported as the battle continues.
Hawta is located in the mountainous province of Shabwa, a place where al-Qaeda has settled in the last two years. The area is reportedly an ideal place for the al-Qaeda militants to maintain their terrorist activities as government's presence is not evident.
Philstar.com reports:
The United States is deeply concerned about the threat from Yemen's al-Quaeda branch. The group claimed responsibility for the December attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner, linking the plot to Yemen's cooperation with the US military in strikes on al-Quaeda targets.
The US has shared intelligence and provided financial aid and training to Yemeni forces, generating backlash among Yemenis who feel their government is too closely allied with America.
Yemen is one of the poorest country in the Arab world.
Aside from the presence of al-Qaeda militants, the country is facing other internal problems including rebellion in the northern part of the country and secessionist movement in the south.
The US has pledged continued military assistance to Yemen to help the country in its effort to confront terrorism and insurgency.
At least $150 million has been earmarked by the US government in military assistance this year for helicopters and other equipment to be used by Yemen security forces in their battle against the al-Qaeda militants.
Listen
Print
Social Comments ()
Digital Journal Comments
Email this
Share on Facebook
