NEW : Yemeni official : At least 60 soldiers are killed in the fighting . Fierce clashes erupt as the government fights back . Militants are close to taking over a strategically important base , officials fear . ` The only reason why al Qaeda is expanding in Abyan is because they are receiving aid from corrupt officials within the Yemeni government . The militants have been using civilians and fighters from other groups for cover.
NEW : Yemeni official : At least 60 soldiers are killed in the fighting . Fierce clashes erupt as the government fights back . Militants are close to taking over a strategically important base , officials fear . The militants have been using civilians and fighters from other groups for cover.