Yemeni officials: Airstrikes target key al-Qaida figure for 2nd time in a week
By Ahmed Al-haj, APWednesday, January 20, 2010
Yemen: Al-Qaida figure targeted in new airstrike
SAN’A, Yemen — Yemeni security officials say airstrikes have targeted a prominent al-Qaida figure on the government’s most wanted list for the second time in a week.
The officials say an airstrike on Wednesday destroyed the home of Ayed al-Shabwani. The strike hit in Wadi Adeeda, 115 miles, or 185 kilometers, east of the capital, San’a.
The government says a number of al-Qaida leaders are staying in the remote area. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to talk to the media.
The government reported last week that an airstrike killed six al-Qaida operatives, including al-Shabwani. Al-Qaida released a statement shortly afterward, denying the death of the operatives.
Yemen has stepped up operations against al-Qaida in recent weeks with U.S. help.
