Military

DATE= 11/04/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON / YEMEN UPDATE (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-296086

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

///EDS: UPDATES CR 2-296081 TO ATTRIBUTE EXPLOSION TO U.S. MISSILE///

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The deaths in Yemen of six suspected al-Qaida terrorists, including a key planner in the bloody attack on a American destroyer two years ago, appear to be the work of a missile fired by a unmanned U-S aircraft. More from V-O-A National Security Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Officials at the Central Intelligence Agency are not commenting on the incident in which several al-Qaida members traveling in a vehicle were killed.

But a senior administration source, speaking on condition of anonymity, says the attack Sunday appears to be the work of a Hellfire missile fired by a C-I-A controlled Predator unmanned drone aircraft. The C-I-A has used armed Predators before in Afghanistan.

Among those reported killed is Ali Qaed Senyan al-Harethi, a key suspect in the October attack two years ago in Yemen on the U-S destroyer Cole. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says his death is good thing.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

Needless to say he has been an individual that has been sought after as an al-Qaida member as well as a suspected terrorist connected to the U-S-S Cole so it would be a very good thing if he were out of business.

///END ACTUALITY///

Seventeen U-S sailors died in the attack on the Cole, which was struck by suicide bombers during a brief refueling stop in the Yemeni harbor of Aden. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/MAR