SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Thousands of Yemeni citizens have fled the south of the country as government forces escalate operations against al-Qaida, authorities said.
John Brennan, a counter-terrorism and security adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama, said Washington was "convinced" that Yemen could "overcome the threats that they face."
Washington is supporting the Yemeni government with military assistance as it struggles to take on a threat from al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of al-Qaida. Anwar al-Awlaki, AQAP's leading cleric believed to be hiding out in southern Yemen, is on Washington's hit list for his alleged role in several plots targeting U.S. national interests.
Yemeni authorities said thousands of Yemeni civilians have fled the south of the country where al-Qaida is allegedly operating. Security officials said they believe around 100 fighters loyal to al-Qaida are hiding in southern strongholds, the BBC reports.
The BBC reports that nearly all of the residents in the town of Huta have left their homes since operations kicked off during the weekend.
AQAP claimed responsibility for a June attack on the country's intelligence services that left 13 people dead.
