Officials: Yemen forces target militant hideouts, killing 18 From Hakim Almasmari, For CNN March 10, 2012 -- Updated 0939 GMT (1739 HKT) The incident occurs in southeast Yemen "We are trying to eliminate their presence," official says (CNN) -- Yemeni air forces targeted militant hideouts in the south, killing at least 18 suspected al Qaeda insurgents, security officials said Saturday. The airstrikes occurred in the Yemen province of al-Baitha in areas used as launching pads for militant attacks, the officials said. Al Qaeda is trying to build a stronghold in al-Baitha and it is in the beginning stages. We are trying to eliminate their presence while it is still possible and easy," one of the officials said. Both officials did not want to be named because they are not authorized to speak to the media. Smoke from the air raids covered the skies of al-Baitha hours after the attack. Security forces also formed new checkpoints in nearby districts. Residents said military aircraft roam the skies of the province around the clock.