SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Four soldiers were killed in southern Yemen following a major offensive launched against al-Qaida fighters, the military said Wednesday.
The Yemeni government said it launched a major offensive against al-Qaida forces in southern Yemen after militants attacked a natural gas pipeline in the region last week.
Four Yemeni soldiers and three others were wounded in a battle with al-Qaida fighters Wednesday. Authorities say they believe Anwar al-Awlaki, the top cleric for al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of al-Qaida, is hiding in the southern province of Shabwa, CNN International reports.
Awlaki earned a spot on Washington's hit list when allegations surfaced that he played a role in failed plot to down a U.S. passenger plane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day. The U.S.-born Awlaki is linked to several other plots, including the November shooting rampage in Fort Hood, Texas.
John Brennan, a national security adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama, said Monday his government was committed to providing military support for Yemen.
U.S. defense officials told CNN on condition of anonymity that political and security situation in Yemen allowed al-Qaida to find a safe haven in the country. The Obama administration, the report added, is considering sending armed drones to Yemen to help in counter-terrorism efforts.
