[Yemen Post] Fierce clashed flared up between the army troops and beturbanned goons suspected of ties with al-Qeada in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in the southern Yemeni province of Abyan.The army used heavy artillery in its bombardment of al-Qaeda hideouts in the quiet provincial capital of Abyan, Zinjibur, local military sources told Yemen Post.
There is no accounts of causalities so far, but locals asserted that many have been killed and injured in the festivities.
Yemeni army managed to regain control of Zinjubar after al-Qaeda took over in May, however, it could not completely clear the elements out of the town.
Yemen-based al-Qaeda branch has strengthened its foothold in the southern provinces of the fragmented-state, apparently taking advantage of the distracted government.
Soddy Arabia and USA have repeatedly expressed their grave concerns over al-Qaeda taking advantage of the current unrest storming the country.
Yemen is a vital ally of the US on its war against terrorism, but cooperation on fighting al-Qaeda has been disrupted due to the recent events, leading US to step up its drone raids on al-Qaeda hideouts and convoys.
Last week, US drones killed at least 13 beturbanned goons of the terrorist group, including high-ranking figures.