World

Death toll in south Yemen attacks rises to 85

Published Updated

Militants detonated two vehicles laden with explosives at two army posts outside the southern Yemeni city of Zinjibar early on Sunday, sparking heavy clashes between rebels and the military.

Medics on Sunday had put the number of army personnel killed at 35. A military source said some soldiers were also missing.

The attacks, which were claimed by al Qaeda, are the latest since president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi took office last month.

The violence highlights the challenges he faces as he tries to stabilise Yemen after a year of protests against his predecessor, Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Copyright Reuters, 2012