Yemen: Foreign troops not fighting

SANAA, Yemen, May 29 (UPI) -- The governor of Abyan, Jamal al-Akel, denies allegations foreign troops are fighting alongside Yemen's armed forces against al-Qaida.

Al-Akel, who coordinates with military commanders on all operations against al-Qaida in his southern province, said Tuesday "no foreign boots are in Abyan. Yemen's military will alone achieve victory against al-Qaida."

The remark came after several newspapers -- the Aden Forum, Aden Today Times and Baydha News -- reported U.S. Marines are operating in Yemen with the full agreement of the Yemeni government.

Mareb Press reported al-Akel acknowledged foreign troops are based in Aden -- a strategic southern seaport -- not elaborating further on their role.