Yemen fighting kills 30 troops, 14 militants

Yemeni military officials say at least 30 soldiers and 14 al-Qaeda militants have been killed in fighting in the southern province of Abyan.

The officials said Sunday's fighting was taking place west of Abyan's provincial capital of Zinjibar, held by militants since May.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The violence in Abyan highlights the challenges facing Yemen after a year of political turmoil that has allowed al-Qaeda to seize several towns in the nearly lawless south and withstand repeated army offensives to retake them.