Yemen arrests dozens of al-Qaeda fighters, drives more out of key areasMarch 31, 2016 - 12:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Yemeni pro-government forces have carried out a series of raids against al-Qaeda in the southern port city of Aden, arresting dozens of suspects and causing the militants to flee from key areas, a top security official said Wednesday, March 30, according to the Associated Press. Maj. Gen. Shalal Shayaa, Aden's security chief, said that southern fighters backing the government have set up checkpoints across the al-Mansoura neighborhood, a former militant stronghold. Shayaa later toured al-Mansoura on foot, reassuring residents and checking security patrols, according to witnesses. Shayaa said the raids are part of a campaign aimed at consolidating the internationally-recognized government's control over Aden, its de facto capital. Shiite militias known as Houthis seized the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Aden was plunged into lawlessness after government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition drove the Houthis out last year. U.S. drones have carried out a series of airstrikes in recent days, killing dozens of militants. On Wednesday, officials and witnesses said U.S. drones struck vehicles and gathering points for the militants in the southern city of Azzan, as well as training camps in Hadramawt, Yemen's largest province. Earlier this month the drones killed more than 40 militants, including new recruits, in the province. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |