Yemen's embassy in Washington says its nation's air force launched an airstrike on an Al Qaeda hideout ahead of a likely terror attack, killing two senior members.
"Our air force carried out a raid on terrorist elements who were planning attacks on vital installations (and) two Al Qaeda leaders were killed," said a statement on the defense ministry's website.
It did not specify what installations were being targeted, but said that the air strike happened in Moudia region - around 300 miles southeast of Sanaa - which is close to the oil-rich province of Shabwa.
The airstrike was carried out Sunday in Yemen's Abyan province. Yemen's ministry of defense, in a statement released by the embassy, said the Al Qaeda group was planning "an imminent attack on a strategic installation" in retaliation for stepped-up counterterrorism efforts.
Working with U.S. intelligence officials, Yemen has recently boosted its counterterrorism efforts. Last week it announced the arrest of a U.S. citizen accused of being part of Yemen's al-Qaida branch.
The Al Qaeda division in Yemen has been linked to the failed bombing attempt on a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day. It has also been the subject of increased concern by U.S. counterterrorism officials.
The Associated Press and NewsCore contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.