Following a series of attacks against its interests by al-Qaeda, Yemen coalition government stroke back this Thursday by carrying a series of air strikes against alleged terror strongholds in the southern restive province of Abyan.
Military official confirmed on Thursday that military planes carried two subsequent strikes in Abyan which led to the killing of at least six identified terrorists, thus bearing a significant blow to the terror organization.
"There were two separate air strikes launched by the air force and targeted hideouts of the al Qaeda militants in Wadi Mahfad town in Abyan province. At least six terrorists were killed, three in each air strike," a local military official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity..
The official added that several al-Qaeda commanders are reportedly among the dead
"About three al-Qaeda local leaders, who were responsible for several armed attacks and suicide bombings against the army forces in Abyan, were also among the dead elements," he explained.
Thursday’s victory against the terror group will most certainly bring officials some form of relief, after a positively difficult month. Over the past weeks al-Qaeda has significantly increased its attacks against Yemen, growing as bold as to directly target the capital, Sana’a and attack head on military bases in the provinces of Hadhramawt and Abyan (southern Yemen).
Al-Qaeda’s ability to stage military take over and targeted killing has prompted brad international concern, with experts warning that Yemen cold be losing its battle against terror over its lack of political stability and national cohesion.