The army retook control of all areas west of Jaar, one of the most notorious strongholds of Al-Qaida in south Yemen, after fierce battles which left more than 27 militants dead and others injured, Alsahwa reported on Saturday, quoting military sources.
The forces stationed in the Haroor front regained all strategic positions on the western edge of Jaar including those in the Jabalain and Jabal Lahboush areas and they are now so close to retake control of the whole city of Jaar, the sources said.
Eight soldiers were killed when a landmine exploded while the forces were clearing the militants from their positions in the Lahboush area, the sources said, according to the website.
Earlier today, the army and popular committees retook all militant positions east of Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, and killed about 62 militants. On Friday, about 65 militants were killed as the army is trying to recapture Zinjibar and Jaar.
President Hadi has ordered to further step up the offensive to clear Al-Qaida militants and its offshoot, the Sharia Supporters, from Jaar.
Hundreds of militants have been killed and injured including senior leaders since the army stepped up the military operations to recapture the towns seized last year more than one month ago.
So far, some areas have been retaken including the Lawder city.
The US and tribal fighters are directly supporting the forces.