[31/January/2013]

ABYAN, Jan. 31 (Saba) - Armed units, included air forces, raided Thursday al-Qaeda militants in two areas in Abyan governorate, where they have begun to rally.

"Some armed units in cooperation with Abyan popular committees carried out a successful preemptive strike against al-Qaeda terrorists in areas of Mojan and Wadie areas in the governorate," a military source said.

The raid caused huge losses among the militants, he said, adding that hunting operations are underway and will continue till eradicating their all strongholds.

The militants of Ansar al-Sharia, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), were driven out of towns of Jaar and Zinjibar after a strong army offensive made against them last year.

Ansar al-Sharia has taken advantage of the 2011 crisis in the country to seize the two towns.

AF



Saba