Dozens Of Suspected Al-Qaeda Militants Reported Killed In Yemen Air Strikes

Yemeni officials say some 40 suspected Al-Qaeda militants have been killed in government air strikes in the country's south.

Military officials say government forces on April 3 took control over the mountainous area of Al-Rahha, in the southern province of Lahj, after bombarding the area for three days.

The offensive reportedly followed a surprise attack by militants on an army base in the area over the weekend.

Reports say Al-Qaeda militants have taken advantage of a year of political turmoil in Yemen to strengthen their positions in the south of the country.

President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi, who took office in February, has said that countering Al-Qaeda is a top priority.

Based on reports by AP and AFP