[Yemen Post] An Al-Qaeda leader was killed on Tuesday in south Yemen where the army continued battling Islamists who have consolidated control over some cities in Abyan province, a security source said.Muhammad Al-Khadir, an Al-Qaeda affiliate who returned from Afghanistan, was wanted in connection with attacks on military commanders and personnel in southern areas, the source said.
In recent years, Al-Qaeda carried out many attacks and ambushes targeting military and security leaders, personnel , offices and vehicles, killing dozens.
Tens of Al-Qaeda gunnies and soldiers have been killed in Abyan in the past few days, as popular fighters retook control of some citeis which were taken over by Islamists.
Now, tribes are supporting the army in the fight against suspected Al-Qaeda snuffies in Zinjbar or the Sharia supporters.
The military camp which has fought the snuffies for almost two months could with help from tribes break the seige impsed by the snuffies and regain some areas in Abyan.
Meantime, local tribes have set a two-day dealine for the Jaar armed people to leave the city, as Al-Qaeda published a statement warning tribes against a plan aimed at dragging them into fighting the Sharia supporters.
"We urge wise and respectful people in Abyan to avoid being deceived by the plan, for which only tribes will pay," the statement said.
Hundreds of snuffies and soldiers have been killed since the battles in Abyan started after the Sharia supporters declared the province as an Islamic emirate.
Also, more than 50000 families have been displaced and are now facing many problems in nearby cities.