[Iran Press TV Latest] Yemeni forces have "indiscriminately" killed at least 49 civilians in airstrikes described as attacks against 'al-Qaeda operatives' in the south, a local official says. Some 23 children were among the victims, said the official from the Al-Mahfed region, in which Al-Maajala village -- where the airstrikes took place -- is situated, AFP reported Sunday.
"The raid was carried out indiscriminately and killed 49 civilians, including 23 children and 17 women," said the official on the condition of anonymity.
A tribal leader from the Al-Kazam tribe has also confirmed the civilian deaths, saying that "in total, 49 civilians were killed."
"Al-Qaeda has chosen to build its training center on land where Bedouin nomads pitch their tents, and the government forces believe the nomads harbor al-Qaeda forces," said the leader, also speaking on condition of anonymity.
| But we all know how fiercely warlike the Bedouins are, so if the al-Qaeda forces remain there, it must be with permission, right? |
Along with the southern areas, northern regions of the country are also scenes of joint Saudi-Yemeni raids against civilians.
Saudi forces that have joined the government offensive against Shia fighters in November have killed scores of civilians in their attacks on northern villages.
Earlier on Sunday, fresh Saudi air strikes on border regions left over 54 civilian killed.