U.S. weighs plan to send military aircraft to aid Yemen

Senior U.S. commanders say deploying cargo aircraft could be key to a U.S.-backed offensive in Yemen against Al Qaeda militants. Critics warn of a backlash.

WASHINGTON —Spurred by recent battlefield gains, the Pentagon is making plans to send U.S. military aircraft to Yemen for the first time to help move government troops and supplies more quickly into battle against Islamic militants, U.S. officials said.

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