Yemen retakes key towns from al-Qaeda

[12/June/2012]

SANA'A- The Armed forces and the popular committees cleansed Tuesday completely the towns of Zinjibar and Jaar, Khanfar palace and Rahowah area in Abyan province, an official source in the defense ministry said.

The road Aden-Abyan has been opened for citizens, the source said.

Air strikes have hit ten boats with several militants aboard while trying to reach Shabwa province, in addition to destroying two vehicles and killing all the terrorists who were attempting to flee, he said, adding that hundreds of them have escaped from Zinjibar, Jaar and Shwqrah towns.

"The engineering teams began a wide range operation in the two towns and their surrounding areas searching for mines planted by the terrorists." The armed and security forces and popular committees were continuing to hunt for the militants.

The source urged citizens in provinces of Hadramout, Shabwa and others to prevent terrorist elements from entering their provinces and report them immediately.

Earlier today, southern military region Commander Maj. Gen. Salem Ali Qaten said that the control of Jaar came after a ruthless battle against the terrorists who call themselves "Ansar al-Shariah", resulting in killing more than 20 terrorists, adding that many others were injured and dozens fled.

"Four soldiers were killed and over 20 wounded, and two fighters of the popular committees were injured", Qaten said.