Fighting intensifies in Yemen, as the Saudi backed government troops rout pro-Al Qaeda groups

Yemeni government troops, supported by armed tribal militia today captured two rural areas which were under occupation by Al Qaeda backed insurgent groups for the last several months.

The Yemeni army is currently undertaking a military operation to oust the Islamist rebels from their strongholds in the south of the country. The Yemeni army claimed that, with the latest victories over the rebels, the insurgent groups remain in control of only a few minor towns in the region. The Army further claimed that the rebel supply lines are cut, and they are facing an all-out annihilation by the government troops.

The US is also supporting the operation, by providing military advisors and other forms of help. Saudi Arabia is financing a major part of the operations, as Yemen is facing a financial crisis currently and is unable to spend significant amount of money on defence. Saudi Arabia was forced to act against the rebels in its neighbouring country, after the insurgents threatened to carry out attacks inside the Saudi territory.

A local humanitarian aid group worker reported that the local residents in the liberated areas welcomed the government troops and celebrated the defeat of the rebel groups. However, he added there were reports of humanitarian convoys and supply warehouses being looted by the locals. The government sources informed the media that major towns like Jaar and Zinjibar are now under compete army control.

Brig Gen Mohammed al-Sawmali, senior army official said that a total of 20 militants and four government troops died in the fighting near Jaar. According to other sources, six government soldiers died in Zinjibar when their convoy was hit by a landmine. Most of the rebels who fled Jaar and Zinjibar escaped to the city of Shuqrah, the last remaining stronghold of the Al Qaeda in Abyan Governorate. Army officials meanwhile conceded that Al Qaeda is still holding the town of Al Jawf, located near the Saudi Arabian border.

Al Qaeda has lost two of its senior leaders in the last few months, affecting its ability to operate in nations like Yemen and Afghanistan. Abu Yahya al-Libi, the deputy leader of Al Qaeda was killed earlier this month, while Anwar al-Awlaki, one of the top officials of its Yemeni branch was assassinated during a drone strike in Al-Jawf last year.