U.S. drones bombed an army base seized by al-Qaida militants in Yemen's southern province of Abyan on Sunday night, as well as several hideouts of the terrorist group, destroying heavy weaponry, tanks and armored vehicles taken over by the terrorists in previous battles with the Yemeni government troops, witnesses and senior army officers told Xinhua.
"At least five missiles hit the posts of the terrorist group stationing at Khanfar Mountain in al-Qaida-held city of Jaar this night," a witness told Xinhua by phone on condition of anonymity.
"Thick white smoke is rising from the targeted area, and al- Qaida militants are moving to the mountain to check if there are any casualties," said the witness.
After destroying several ammunition stores seized by al-Qaida militants during battles with the army forces, various hideouts and fortifications of the terrorist group in the mountainous area in Jaar city, Abyan's second largest city, were pounded, with no immediate reports of casualties amongst the insurgents, a local army officer said on condition of anonymity.
"The U.S. drones fired missiles targeting the army outpost, which was overran by the extremists last Sunday. All the heavy weapons inside the base were completely damaged," the officer said.