Yemeni forces storm al-Qaida hide-out, arrest 1

This image released by the US Marshals Service on December 28 shows the booking photo of would-be bomber suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Barack Obama lashed out at systemic intelligence failures over the attempted attack on a US jet amid reports that Washington was planning reprisal strikes against terror targets.(AFP)

SAN'A, Yemen – A Yemeni security official says forces have stormed an al-Qaida hide-out in the country's west, setting off clashes.

A government statement confirmed the clashes and said at least one suspected al-Qaida member was arrested.

The fighting took place in Hudaydah province, a principle al-Qaida stronghold. It was home to most of the attackers who struck outside the U.S. Embassy in 2008, killing 10 Yemeni guards and four civilians.

The security official said forces acted on a tip. He was spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

Deputy Interior Minister Brig. Gen. Saleh al-Zawari said forces would continue to strike against al-Qaida until the group's powerful branch in Yemen is eliminated.

(Agencies)