Yemen special forces bid to flush out bin Laden supporters

Yemeni tanks and artillery are trying to flush out five suspected supporters of Osama bin Laden.

Security officials in Marib province say special forces are in the Adida region pursuing several men wanted by the government.

Other sources in the region say the bombing came after members of the Adida tribe refused to hand over to authorities at least five men suspected of belonging to al-Qaida.

The sources said at least one of the men being sought was a non-Yemeni Arab who was previously in Afghanistan.

They said the special forces began bombing after two days of negotiations with the tribe ended in a deadlock.

Yemeni security officials refused to comment on the report. Tribal elders confirmed the attack, but would not give a reason for it.

Roads in Marib are dotted with checkpoints manned by troops or tribesmen, and non-Yemeni visitors to the area are required to travel in convoys escorted by soldiers.

Yemen's government recently stepped up pressure on tribes implicated in or suspected of kidnapping foreigners, who are used as bargaining chips to press for government aid and better living conditions.