| Yemeni -- in Yemen, fer God's sake! -- forces conducted operations against suspected al-Qaida members in Marib and Shabwa provinces. Tribal sources said members of the Abida tribe -- which had refused to hand over the men -- opened fire on the government troops from mountain villages in the province, sparking heavy fighting involving tanks, artillery and machine guns. Four tribesmen were killed and eight people, including several soldiers, were injured. A number of people accused of hiding the wanted men were arrested. Security officials in Marib said special forces were pursuing at least five men in the province's al-Halsun region. |