Yemen security: 5 militants killed in airstrike

By AHMED AL-HAJ, Associated Press
July 12, 2011

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — A Yemeni security official says a government airstrike has killed five militants in an area overrun by Islamist radicals.

The strike hit a checkpoint run by militants between the southern towns of Zinjibar and Jaar late Monday. Militants believed to be close to al-Qaida have seized control of both towns in recent months.

Security across Yemen has broken down amid a five-month uprising seeking to oust longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The United States worries that al-Qaida could exploit chaos in Yemen to increase operations there.

The security official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Visit of John Brennan to Yemen

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Sana'a, July 12, 2011

U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan visited Sana'a on July 11-12 to consult with U.S. and Yemeni officials about the bilateral relationship. On July 11, he met with Yemeni government officials including Vice President Abdo Rabu Mansoor Hadi and Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, as well as military officials and U.S. Embassy officials. On July 12, he met with a group of civil society leaders, in addition to GPC leaders and JMP leaders.

In his meetings, John Brennan reiterated the U.S. position that it is essential for all parties to participate in a peaceful political process in order to address the urgent needs of the Yemeni people for improved social, economic and security conditions, and to immediately implement a transition that serves the aspirations of the Yemeni people.