Yemen: Government forces recapture al-Qaeda strongholds

Sanaa, 15 June (AKI) - Yemen's military on Friday recaptured the southern city of al-Shaqra, considered a stronghold by Al-Qaeda militants.

It was the third city retaken from militants who captured them more than a year ago.

Among the retreating insurgents was Jalal al-Baleidi, also known as Abu Hamza al-Zinjibari, the leader of Ansar al Sharia (Partisans of Islamic Law) in Abyan, seeking refuge in tribal areas, Reuters reported.

The United States has helped the government offensive that started more than a month ago, taking back militant strongholds of Jaazr and Zinjibr.

Yemen said its soldiers killed 40 militants in fighting on Thursday.

The United States has used drone strikes and military training to help Yemen combat Islamist militants.