Yemeni forces foil attack by gunmen in Hadhrmout

By Fatik al-Rodaini

SANA'A, May 19, 2012- Yemen's security forces repulsed on Friday an attempt by gunmen to illegally to enter the southern Yemeni city of Muklla.

Security sources within the city told algomhoriah newspaper that gunmen believed to be members of Ansar al-Shareia militants came from the road linked between Shabwa and Hadhrmout provinces trying to enter the city of Muklla.

''Gunmen attacked checkpoints along the road linked the two cities, firing live bullets towards the checkpoint in Broom in Muklla in an attempt to enter the city,'' the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Yemeni troops arrested in Broom district of Muklla, at least 75 Somali national migrants tried to enter illegally the province of Haddrmout.  

Sources said the Somalis are believed to be Somali Shabab militants came to back Ansar al-Shareia in their battles against Yemeni army in the Yemen's southern province of Abyan.