SANAA, Yemen, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born cleric suspected of ties with al-Qaida, is a wanted man in Yemen after a judge ordered his arrest Saturday.
Al-Awlaki was a no-show for his trial Tuesday where he was accused of murder, prompting the judge to order his apprehension, The New York Times reported. Al-Awlaki may be hiding out in Yemen's Shabwa province, the U.S. newspaper said.
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility Friday for the air shipment of two explosive packages to the United States Oct. 29.
Previously this year, the United States authorized assassination of al-Awlaki, who has called for violent jihad against Western nations, the Times said. Authorities have not said he was complicit in the air freight plot.
Al-Awlaki was charged in absentia along with Hisham Assem, who is accused of killing a Frenchman at an oil compound in September.
