Explosion rocks Yemeni-U.S. military base

An al-Qaeda affiliate in Yemen says it targeted a U.S.-Yemeni air base with rockets in retaliation for a U.S. raid on the group’s hideout to free an American hostage.

Witnesses say a powerful explosion rocked the Al-Annad base early Thursday in the southern province of Lahj.

Ambulance rushed to the site and witnesses say they saw bodies taken to nearby hospital.

The al-Qaeda affiliate claimed on its official Twitter account that its militants fired six grad missiles at the base. In a brief statement, the group says it hit the “American section” of the base.

Infographic: Yemen –U.S. air base attack

It was not immediately clear whether any American facility inside the base was hit and no official confirmation was available.

The al-Annad base is where American and European military advisers help Yemen battle the country’s local al-Qaeda branch through drone strikes and logistical support.