Thaindian News

MARIB, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) — At least five soldiers on Friday were killed in an ambush by al-Qaeda militants in Marib province, western Yemen, the Yemen Post reported.

The suspected al-Qaeda militants attacked a vehicle from Yemen’s Army in Sarwah district. Five soldiers were killed and several others injured as insurgents opened fire using machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

The attack took place just after authorities announced that the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was taking advantage of the unrest in the country to perpetrate terrorist acts.

Also on Friday, another group of suspected terrorists attacked a security checkpoint in the southern province of Shabwa. At least three police officers were killed and another one was injured.

Protests continue in the Middle Eastern country as hundreds of people have taken the streets this week demanding the immediate departure of longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

However, Yemen security forces opened fire on the protesters in an attempt to disrupt the sit in. The government has recently stepped up the crackdown on demonstrators citing ‘civil disobedience.’

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently proposed a plan for a peaceful transition in Yemen which includes the resignation of Saleh within 30 days. Protesters rejected the proposed plan as they want the immediate ouster of Saleh.

According to the United Nations, the recent political turmoil has left an estimated 140 deaths and hundreds of injuries as security forces have been firing live ammunition in order to disrupt mass protests.