Yemen forces clash with militants

Yemeni security forces have clashed with militants linked to Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.

Four policemen are reported to have died during an operation against the militants in Jaar, in Abyan province in the south of the country.

Officials said it was launched in response to attacks by the insurgents on government forces.

Correspondents say the town is a stronghold of militants who return to Yemen after fighting abroad.

There have been a series of assaults on both government and foreign targets in Yemen, which is facing an economic and political crisis.

Yemen is one of the world's poorest countries outside Africa.