[23/May/2012]

SANA'A, May 23 (Saba) - Around 25 militants of al-Qaeda have been killed and dozens were wounded in battles with the armed forces and popular committees in Abyan province, a military source said Wednesday.

The armed forces have managed to cleanse Ala'ahbush Mountain and Alhabilain area from the militants and reached the Bana'a Valley on the outskirts of Jaar city, the source said.

Many of the militants have been seen escaping to Alerqoup Mount after being forced out of their hidings.

The armed forces coupled with the popular committees' men have made significant progress and cleansed large areas on the eastern and western Zanjibar town. They regained control over the government compound, the Alshuhada "Martyrs" Square and Hassan Stadium, according to the source.

He added that many militants have been killed and injured due to air strikes on militants' hidings on areas near the October 7 plant and Shakra area.

A source in the Abyan's local authority cautioned against militants' attempts to planting bombs on streets and public squares, calling the citizens to remain vigil.

AF
Saba