Context
Yemen’s defense ministry on Friday released a statement confirming the death of Anwar al Awlaki who was killed along with four companions. Officials refused to elaborate on details; however sources revealed that Awlaki was killed early on Friday in an air raid on two vehicles. He was killed 8 km from Khashef, 140 km away from the capital, Sanaa. The militant was believed to have relocated from the nearby Shabwa region about three weeks ago.
US president Barack Obama attributed the killing to the superiority of US intelligence. The 40 year old US born militant was wanted by both the US and Yemen. Awlaki is accused of having links with Major Nidal Hasan, who is suspected of shooting dead 13 people at Fort Hood military base in Texas in November 2009.
