Gunmen Ambush Security Patrol Killing Officer in South Yemen

Sana'a, July 9, 2011- An officer was killed and four others including one soldier and civilians injured when a security patrol was ambushed in Yemen's southern province of Dhale.

Local sources said the ambush took place after clashes between the patrol and armed people, believed to be separatists, who previously attacked a security checkpoint in Jahaf district.

The armed people ambushed the patrol after the clashes in Salaef village, the sources said, adding that head of the checkpoint was in the patrol and killed.

Three civilians were injured when their car passed at the area, they said.

A hunt was launched for the gunmen, amid insecurity plaguing most southern cities and continuous battles between the army and Islamists in Abyan province.