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    March 31, 2012

Clashes in Yemen Leave 30 Dead

   VOA News
   Map of Lahij in Yemen

   Fierce clashes have erupted between military forces and suspected
   al-Qaida-linked militants in southern Yemen, leaving at least 30 people
   dead.
   Yemeni officials say the fighting broke out early Saturday when
   militants attacked an army post in the town of Mallah, in Lahij
   province. The area is near Abyan province, an al-Qaida stronghold.
   The Ansar al-Sharia militant group has claimed responsibility for the
   attack.
   Earlier this month, the group claimed responsibility for the death of
   an American teacher who was killed in southern city of Taiz.
   The Yemeni government has been trying to recover from anti-government
   protests that resulted in the resignation of long-time leader Ali
   Abdullah Saleh. Mr. Saleh's deputy, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, took over
   as president in February. He vowed to fight al-Qaida and stabilize the
   country.
   Yemeni officials say suspected al-Qaida militants sabotaged a gas
   pipeline in southern Yemen on Friday. The incident took place shortly
   after U.S. drone strikes killed at least five suspected al-Qaida
   militants in the region.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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