Between 8,000 and 12,000 people have fled their homes in al-Hota, southern Yemen, in what is said to be a battle between government forces and al-Qaeda militants, according to Red Crescent sources in the area.

The town, in Shabwa province, has reportedly been subjected to heavy shelling, with five houses and two mosques destroyed since fighting broke out on Sunday.

Judging from the reports so far, this is very similar to the battle in Lawdar (Abyan province) last month when thousands also fled their homes.

It's not clear what prompted the latest government onslaught but the timing of it does look a bit suspicious. The US is currentlydebating a Centcom proposal to give Yemen $1.2 billion in military aid over the next six years and Obama's counter-terrorism adviser, John Brennan was in Yemen yesterday discussing cooperation between the two countries in the fight against al-Qaeda.

The international Friends of Yemen group – set up in January to assist the country with its multiple problems – is also due to hold its first official meeting in New York on Friday.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 21 September 2010.