[15/June/2012]

ABYAN, June 15 (Saba) - The military forces and the popular committees managed on Friday to take control of Shuqra, the last town al-Qaeda militants were held in Abyan province.

The coastal town of Shuqra was seized after strong battle with al-Qaeda caused the death of over 30 militants from different nationalities, deputy chief of general staff Mohamed Labuza said in a celebration held in the town.

Many of the terrorists have fled and the military troops are hunting them, Labuza said, adding that the Lawder-Shuqra and Shuqra-Amein roads are now open for the citizens.

This victory came four days after the armed forces and the popular committees cleansed completely the towns of Zinjibar and Jaar of Abyan from al-Qaeda.

AF
Saba