Two al-Qaeda leaders killed in Yemen

Two al-Qaeda leaders have been killed in an apparent air strike in southern Yemen.

The Yemeni Defence Ministry confirmed the deaths of two brothers whom it described as, ‘dangerous’ while being pursued by security forces. Witnesses claim they were killed by a missile.

The strike came 24 hours after eight deaths in the city of Zinjibar. Security forces have confirmed two patrols were attacked by rocket propelled grenades. Four soldiers were killed and two others were among those who were injured.

Eyewitnesses said masked gunmen believed to be al-Qaeda operatives struck two patrol cars in the market.

It is reported they then fired at random into the market as they pursued a number of soldiers who had escaped the initial ambush. Over twenty people are believed to have been injured.

Copyright © 2012 euronews