Update: Yemeni army attacks al-Qaeda terrorist elements’ positions in Bayda

BAYDA, Jul.04 (YPA) – Al-Qaeda terrorist elements backed by coalition forces opened a new front in Bayda province, to ease pressure on Marib province, local sources reported on Sunday

According to the sources, the Yemeni army and popular committees (Sanaa forces) fought fierce battles against al-Qaeda elements in the province, during which they were able to counter a large-scale attack by al-Qaeda elements towards the west of al-Zahir al-Humiqan and the “Ariel” area.

The sources said that al-Qaeda launched a surprise attack at dawn today, targeting two military positions of the army forces west of the village of Zaher Al-Humiqan” and another attack towards the mountain “Strategic Ariel, where fierce fighting is still going on between the two sides.

According to local sources, 17 members of the terrorist organization, including leaders were killed and many others wounded.

This comes two days after the terrorist organization, backed  by “Brigades of Giants” (Salafists)  funded  by Abu Dhabi in southern Yemen.

E.M