The Yemeni government apologized on Wednesday over the civilian casualties that took place during the terror operation in the southern Abyan province in late 2009, with Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Security Affairs telling Parliament that the government is ready to correct its lapses through compensation or any other suitable measures.

The government was attacked during the session, with MPs accusing the terror operation on suspected Al-Qaeda hideouts in Alma'ajalah district in which dozens of terrorist suspects and civilians were killed was 'genocide'.

The government is reckless and negligent towards the safety of the people and bringing those responsible for the operation and murderers in other southern cities to justice, MPs added.

Also, others demanded Parliament to decide during next Saturday's session a probe into the operation that some charged was implemented with direct help from the U.S.

The operation was a tragedy in the broad meaning of the word because some of the injured people died due to lack of health services in Abyan, an MP said, urging the Minister of Public Health and Population to resign.

Appearing in Parliament over the reports on the Abyan raid and insecurity in Lahj, Rashad Al-Limi, who is also the Minister for Local Administration, said that the government is taking several measures to deal with the insecurity in the southern province of Lahj.

Other MPs urged the local government in Lahj to step down after the report on the situation in the province noted that it was deeply involved in the worsening situation.

In late December 2009, anti-terror forces launched several terror raids in the south and north including the controversial one in Abyan, killing scores of Al-Qaeda suspects and injuring dozens. The operations were hailed regionally and internationally as concerns grew that Yemen would turn into a safe heaven for terrorism.

Locally, the government was accused of killing its people after many civilians were reported dead in Abyan, with rallies and officials demanding those who were responsible for the raid should be tried.

Last week, the government was warned if it missed appearance in Parliament this week, measures would be taken.