Yemen warns against direct intervention

As Yemen cracks down on Al Qaeda linked groups within its borders, it acknowledges it needs help with counter-terrorism efforts but warns direct intervention could be dangerous.

On Saturday, an anti-terror unit practiced live-fire exercise in hills on the outskirts of Yemen's capital, Sanaa.

This anti-terror unit receives daily training from U.S. and British anti-terror experts.

The unit practices with live-ammunition amid a heightened security alert in the country. Its members also perform a mock 'raid' on a house to test their urban combat skills.

International attention has focused on Yemen after the failed Christmas Day airline bomb attack.

Yemeni members of the anti-terrorism force take part in a mock kidnap scenario during training in the mountains on the outskirts of Sanaa. (AFP/Ahmad Gharabli)