Qaeda mines kill more than 70 in Yemen

DHAKA: More than 50 civilians and 23 military personnel have been killed by mines sown by Al-Qaeda since the militants were chased out of areas of south Yemen on June 13, the defence ministry reported on Saturday.

‘More than 50 citizens have been killed by mines planted by the terrorists before they fled Zinjibar, Jaar and other localities’ in Abyan province, a ministry website reported, citing the province’s deputy governor.

The website quoted Colonel Said Ali Meshaal, head of a demining unit, as saying mines in Abyan had also claimed the lives of 23 soldiers, among them two officers.

On June 23, local officials had put the death toll from mine blasts at 35, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1818 HRS, JUN 30, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor