The Yemeni forces further advanced on Al-Qaida militants in Abyan province on Wednesday and they are expected to retake control of Zinjibar, the capital, very soon, Alsahwa reported.
Al-Qaida seized key towns in Abyan in mid-2011 including Zinjibar and the army has recently expanded the military operations against the militants to recapture the towns.
The forces are now in the middle of Zinjibar and they have been stationed in key parts in the city, a move which came after some brigades could close the road between Azzan in the nearby province of Shabwa and Jaar, the most notorious stronghold of the militants in Abyan, it said.
“The forces have controlled the only road where supplies for the militants pass,” it said.
The forces have made more gains in the past two days amid the plans to retake Zinjibar and other strongholds of the militants including Jaar, which were seized last year, it continued.
Earlier today, airstrikes targeted several positions of the militants causing Al-Qaida big losses, it said.
With direct support from the US and tribal fighters, the Yemeni forces have recently stepped up the war on the militants in southern and southeastern regions, mainly in Abyan, killing and injuring hundreds of them including senior leaders.
They have cleared militants from some towns and areas in Abyan.
Meantime, observers said Al-Qaida is trying to draw the attention from the blows it has received there through carrying suicide attacks in far parts including the capital Sanaa.
On Monday, Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on a military parade rehearsal on Monday, which killed more than one hundred central security forces and wounded hundreds others.
The group said the bombing was as a payback for the battles in Abyan, mainly the US role in them.