Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANAA, Yemen (AP) — The president of Yemen says this week's military campaign against al-Qaida has killed more than 60 suspected militants, including several of the group's leaders.
His remarks were aired on state TV as security officials said authorities were examining DNA samples to determine the identities of those killed.
Yemen's military hit a major al-Qaida base in southern Yemen on Sunday and Monday, reportedly backed by U.S. drone strikes.
The assault appeared to be a significant escalation in the campaign against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. The group is suspected in a series of unsuccessful bomb plots targeting Americans, including an attempt to bring down a U.S.-bound airliner with explosives hidden in the bomber's underwear.
The United States has been hitting al-Qaida positions in Yemen with drone strikes for the past two years, trying to cripple the group after it was driven out of several southern cities it took over in 2011.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
