The soldiers have been missing since Thursday, following fierce clashes with the al-Qaida-linked group Ansar al-Sharia in the southern city of Zinjibar, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. On Thursday, 15 soldiers and eight Islamic militants were killed in fighting in Zinjibar.
The official said he had no further information on the fate of the missing soldiers.
Government forces are battling al-Qaida's most dangerous wing in southern Yemen at a time when the weakened regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh faces an array of opponents. Government forces do not appear to have the will to fight the Islamists, raising fears that al-Qaida is making significant gains.
Recent advances made by the militants in the nearly lawless south are a clear attempt to exploit the power vacuum and turmoil caused by a popular uprising against Saleh that began in February. The revolt gained momentum when a coterie of the president's close aides, military commanders and Cabinet ministers joined the protesters.
Government troops and warplanes have so far targeted only two southern cities, Zinjibar and Jaar, in Abyan province. (read more)
0 comments (read or post your own):
Post a Comment
WANT YOUR COMMENT TO APPEAR?
Please, do not engage in any commercial or promotional activity. This includes linking to businesses, book sales, political or religious groups, etc. We welcome links that expound the discussion and investigation.