At least 230 Yemini soldiers die in clash with al-Qaida militants

AT least 230 Yemeni soldiers were killed in fighting with militants linked to al-Qaida that led to the lifting of the siege of a brigade imposed three months ago, the defence ministry said yesterday.

State news agency Saba quoted Defence Minister General Mohammed Nasser Ahmed as saying the Southern military region had lost 230 martyrs.

Saba said the military casualties announced did not include dozens of soldiers from outside the ranks of the 25th Mechanised Brigade who were killed or wounded in the battle to retake Zinjibar and two other towns.