President Saleh announces end of army brigade siege

SANA’A, Sept. 10 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Saturday that the army and security forces managed to free the 25th brigade forces in Abyan province after more than three months of blockade by al-Qaeda militants backed by coup elements. In his cable of congratulations on this victory to the Minister of Defense and military and security commanders, President Saleh said that the army and security forces have achieved a great victory against those terrorist elements that wanted to convert Abyan province into an den of terrorism and extremism. He praised the efforts and direct supervision by Vice President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi and cooperation of citizens in the provinces of Abyan, Aden and Lahj to achieve this national success. Saleh also said that the 25th brigade forces had foiled the plots of terrorists, coup elements and conspirators and caused them exorbitant losses. The President praised also the logistical support provided by Saudi Arabia, saying the Saudi support contributed to the alleviation of the blockade on the 25th brigade. In addition, Saleh thanked the United States for cooperation in providing information, adding this comes within the framework of the two countries’ joint efforts to combat terrorism. Saba