Yemeni forces chase wanted persons in Abyan

The Yemeni security forces have been besieging wanted Yemenis believed to be members of one extremist Islamic group in two areas in Abyan province in southern Yemen. It is also believed that among the besieged are Egyptians including one persons called Imam al-Sharif, wanted by the Egyptian authorities.

Witnesses said they saw a move for heavy military vehicles including tanks and armored vehicles backed by helicopters seen flying over Luder areas which include several populated villages.

Several days ago, the Yemeni security authorities said they have been carrying an intensive campaign in Abyan governorate in search for gunmen presumed to belong to the al-Jihad group, who took part in the fire exchange operation with the police forces, and resulted in enabling the security forces to arrest members of the armed groups.

However, the witnesses said the fire exchange event took place after the five members of the armed group intercepted the cashier of the education office of Khanfar directorate and stole from him 45 million Yemeni Riyals ( USD 250,000) the cashier had already got from the Bank as salaries for teachers in the directorate."