YEMEN HUNT FOR QAEDA SUSPECTS AFTER 'MODEL SECURITY OPERATION'

SANA'A, Dec. 23(Saba) - The ministry of Interior has directed the
security forces in Abyan, Shabwa and al-Baidha'a governorates to
intensify hunting al-Qaeda suspects.

The order comes amid confirmations terrorists in the district of
Lawder, Abyan, are planning to retaliate after the successful
security operation against al-Qaeda training sites in the south
and north in which dozens of al-Qaeda suspects were killed and
arrested.

The security forces must be placed on high alert to thwart possible
attacks by al-Qaeda and beat the movements of terrorists among the
cities.

The ministry also directed terrorists across the republic to be
hunted around the clock to preserve peace and safeguard vital
interests.

Last Thursday, anti-terrorism troops launched ground and air strikes
against al-Qaeda hideouts and training sites in Abyan in the south
and Sana'a in the north killing and arresting about 63 supsects.

34 terrorists were killed, most in the district of Almahfad, Abyan,
and other 29 arrested, some in the district of Arhab, Sana'a.

The operations were hailed by regional and international allies of
Yemen, topped by the U.S. which said they were a model, affirming
further support for counterterrorism efforts in Yemen.

MD/FR