World News 19-12-2001 Yemen Joins War On Terror who: Yemeni forces what: Launch attack on Afghan village to capture al-Qa`eda terrorists where: Afghanistan when: Yesterday snippet: Arab forces joined the War on Terrorism for the first time yesterday when Yemeni soldiers, supported by tanks and helicopters, stormed a village to capture suspected al-Qa`eda members. "12 people were reported killed and 22 wounded in fighting in the Marib province," says The Guardian, "a wild and unruly mountain region that Yemeni government forces are normally wary of entering." "The fighting died down after three hours, but similar operations are thought to be under way in at least two other eastern provinces," says Times diplomatic editor Richard Beeston. President Saleh of Yemen met George W Bush in Washington DC last month and was warned that his country could be a target if it was found to be harbouring al-Qa`eda terrorists. "The raid was regarded as a pre-emptive strike to avert possible action by American forces as they prepare for phase two of their war against terror." The US State Department now seems satisfied that Yemen is on the right side. "It is clear that [President Saleh] intends to go after terrorism, that he is committed to the fight against terrorism," said spokesman Richard Boucher yesterday. Meanwhile, the British foreign office said it welcomed "the firm action that the Yemeni government has taken to deal with infestations of terrorists in parts the country," according to The Telegraph. [... more]

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