Yemen opposes foreign base on its soil

LONDON: Yemen needs logistical support to help fight Al-Qaida but will not allow foreign covert operations against the global militant group on its territory, Yemeni Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi told the BBC.

The government in Sana'a declared open war on Al-Qaida this month, stepping up air strikes and security sweeps after a regional arm of the militant group based in Yemen said they were behind a failed Dec 25 bid to blow up a US-bound airliner.

But in the interview, Qirbi ruled out allowing a US military base on Yemeni soil or covert foreign operations in the country.