Yemeni forces storm al-Qaida hide-out

Yemeni forces have stormed an al-Qaida hide-out in the country’s east, setting off clashes, a security official said today.

A government statement confirmed the clashes and said at least one suspected al-Qaida member was arrested.

The fighting took place in Hudaydah province, a principal al-Qaida stronghold. It was home to most of the attackers who struck outside the US Embassy in 2008, killing 10 Yemeni guards and four civilians.

The security official said forces acted on a tip. He was spoke on condition of anonymity.

Deputy Interior Minister Brigadier General Saleh al-Zawari said forces would continue to strike against al-Qaida until the group’s powerful branch in Yemen is eliminated.