20 Ansarullah fighters killed in southern Yemen
Iran Press TV
Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:5AM GMT
At least 20 fighters from the Shia Houthi Ansarullah movement have lost their lives in a fresh fighting with al-Qaeda-linked militants in southern Yemen.
Yemeni tribal sources said on Monday that the deadly clashes broke out in the strategic town of Rada' in the province of al-Bayda.
The al-Qaeda-linked militants also seized 12 Ansarullah fighters during the clashes.
Houthi fighters have been making advances in Yemen's restive south, taking control of the towns of Yarim and Rada'. Al-Qaeda-linked militants were controlling the towns for nearly two years.
The Ansarullah fighters have been sending reinforcements to the south, near al-Qaeda strongholds, in an attempt to drive the terrorists out of the area.
In September, Ansarullah revolutionary fighters gained control over the capital, following a four-day battle with army forces loyal to General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, the half-brother of former dictator, Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Ansarullah fighters already control the cities of Sana'a, Ibb, Dhamar and the major port city of Hodeida. They also secured their presence in Tawwal border crossing and Wagha region in Hajjah Province on Saturday.
The Ansarullah movement played a major role in the popular uprising that forced Saleh to step down after more than 33 years in power.
Yemen has been facing threats from al-Qaeda-linked militants, as well as a separatist movement in the country's southern region.
DB/NN/HRB
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