8 Yemeni soldiers killed by al-Qaeda in Shabwa

Eight soldiers were killed in separate attacks by Al-Qaeda gunmen at security checkpoints in Shabwa province east of Yemen, a security source said on Sunday.
The source said in a press statement that Al-Qaeda armed men attacked four military sites simultaneously in Maifa Directorate in Shabwa.
The source added armed men attacks a military camp in Jol Al-Raida triggering by clashes which killed at least eight soldiers and injured more than 15 others.
The source noted that Al-Qaeda militants also attacked another military checkpoint in Azan town at Al-Jisr area, which resulted in heavy clashes with casualties on both sides.
Meanwhile, the army was able to retake a different checkpoint in Azan town, which was occupied by Al-Qaeda members for more than four years ago.
Local media also published a statement by Al-Qaeda in Yemen claiming responsibility for targeting military sites and installations.