Yemen: 12 Qaeda militants killed

Government troops trying to recapture areas held by Islamic militants have killed 12 suspected al-Qaeda members in the troubled province of Abyan,the Defence Ministry said Thursday.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh,who has clung to power in the face of months of massive street protests,is in Saudi Arabia to treat wounds he suffered in a rocket attack against his compound in Sanaa.

The Defence Ministry said the militants were killed in gunbattles with government troops in the Doves and Kod areas but gave no more details.

Military officials in Abyan said three soldiers also were wounded as government troops advanced toward the provincial capital of Zinjibar,which was seized by militants last week.