Four killed as Yemeni army attacks Adida tribesmen

Four people were killed today when Yemeni soldiers used tanks and artillery in an effort to arrest at least five suspected supporters of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden.

The Yemeni army opened fire on the Adida tribe in Marib province, killing four tribesmen and injuring eight others.

The attack started after the 5,000-strong tribe refused to hand over the wanted men, who are believed to be members of bin Laden’s al-Qaida network.

After two hours of bombardment, soldiers eventually entered the Adida’s tribal lands, but the suspects were nowhere to be found.

Marib province is one of Yemen’s most lawless regions and is controlled by four powerful tribes.