In Yemen, 185 Soldiers Killed In Al-Qaeda Attack

Military officials in Yemen say at least 185 Yemeni soldiers have been killed in attacks by Al-Qaeda militants in southern Yemen.

The death toll from the March 4 clashes has been rising as investigators carry out searches of the scene of the violence in the desert outside the town of Zinjibar, capital of Abyan Province.

Officials say the fighting also left at least 25 militants dead.

Yemeni officials describe the violence as the largest battle so far between the army and Al-Qaeda militants.

Reports say Al-Qaeda's attacks appeared to be the militants' response to a pledge by Yemen's newly inaugurated President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to battle the Yemen branch of the Islamist terrorist network.

With AFP and AP reports