SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Military and medical officials say airstrikes have killed 30 suspected al-Qaida-linked militants in southern Yemen. Eight soldiers also died in clashes in the area.
The officials say the strikes targeted militants near Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, early on Wednesday.
They say 40 militants were also wounded in the operation, which was a "deadly blow" to the militants.
The officials say eight soldiers died in the Dufas area, close to Zinjibar. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
Militants have used Yemen’s political turmoil to overrun Zinjibar and several towns in the south.
Government forces have been trying to dislodge them with airstrikes and ground troops.
