Another U.S. drone killed six more suspected al Qaeda militants in the southeastern province of Yemen on Thursday, bringing the total number of such attacks that have gone forth in the country within the past two weeks to six.
The strike comes just one day after Yemen authorities said they uncovered and thwarted a militant plot to bomb and seize at least two oil and gas export terminals. It also comes on the heels of the U.S. closure — temporarily — of several diplomatic posts in the Middle East, and evacuation of embassy workers in Yemen.
Witnesses say this attack took place in a desert area known as a refuge for al Qaeda militants, Reuters reported. Around dawn, a drone fired at two vehicles, killing the occupants and shooting flames into the sky. Witnesses also said the drone circled, poised for a second attack, Reuters said.
Including the six killed Thursday, an estimated 20 suspected al Qaeda militants have been taken out in recent drone strikes.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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