Yemen's Defense Ministry says government troops have killed 12 suspected al-Qaida militants in the troubled southern province of Abyan.
Thursday's ministry statement says the militants were killed in gunbattles with government troops in the province's Doves and Kod areas, but gives no other details.
A military official in Abyan says government troops were advancing on the provincial capital of Zinjibar, captured by militants last week.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not
authorized to speak to the media.
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