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Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is considered one of
the most powerful branches of the global militant group and
claimed responsibility for deadly shootings in Paris on Jan. 7.
The attack targeted militants traveling in two vehicles in the
Bihan region of Shabwa province, a local security official said,
adding that several other suspected militants were injured.
For years, the United States has cooperated with Yemeni security
forces to track and bomb AQAP members - a strategy that rights
groups have criticized for causing repeated civilian deaths.
The United States and its allies in the region have long worried
that Yemen's political instability could allow AQAP to flourish
and launch attacks overseas.
Nineteen U.S. drone strikes killed 124 militants and four
civilians in Yemen in 2014, according to the New America
Foundation, which maintains a database of drone operations.
(Reporting by Mohamed Ghobari; Writing by Amena Bakr; Editing by
Hugh Lawson)
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