3 Yemeni soldiers killed four injured by Al Qaeda attack

Source: AP, By Ahmed Al-Haj, 09/09/2010

SAN'A, Yemen — A Yemeni security official says gunmen have attacked a military checkpoint in south Yemen, killing three soldiers and wounding four others.

The official says the assault took place early Thursday in the town of Moudia, in Abyan province south of the capital San'a.

The official blamed the attack on al-Qaida militants, saying the raid appears to be the work of the same group that claimed responsibility for an attack last month in the nearby town of Lawder that left 11 soldiers dead.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press.

Yemen's weak central government is wrestling with a growing threat from al-Qaida militants, who are increasing their operations in the impoverished and largely lawless country.