Yemen police dismantle al-Qaeda cell, kill militant

Yemeni police Sunday raided a house in the southern city of Aden, killing one suspected al-Qaeda militant and arresting three, an official said, adding that the cell was plotting attacks on vital installations. "We have dismantled a terror cell in one of the houses near Mansura district" in Aden, the security official said. "Security forces managed to kill one of its members who tried to blow himself up using two explosive-laden belts." Three other suspected members of the cell were arrested and police seized dozens of explosive belts, he said, adding that the cell had been planning attacks on strategic installations in Aden. Al-Qaeda was driven out of most of its strongholds across south Yemen in an army offensive backed by US drone strikes last year. The militants have withdrawn to mountainous regions in several provinces and although weakened still manage to launch frequent hit-and-run attacks on police and army officers.