Deutsche Presse Agency quotes unnamed officials in Yemen's Interior Ministry as saying that the break-out had happened.
The fugitives had been jailed at the headquarters of Yemen's Political Security Organization, an intelligence service that maintains a high-level prison facility.
Officials say investigators are trying to find out if the escapees received help from an inside source. A massive manhunt is under way.
(dpa)
Who Is Ayman al-Zawahri?
Who Is Ayman al-Zawahri?
AYMAN AL-ZAWAHRI is regarded as Al-Qaeda's No. 2 authority. Although al-Zawahri is lesser known than Osama bin Laden, some observers say the deputy is just as powerful as the chief....(more)
See also: