Shockingly Burned Yemeni President Addresses Nation

SANAA, Yemen � Yemen's embattled president has appeared publicly for the first time since he was in injured in a blast at his palace compound early last month. In a brief video aired on Yemen state TV, Ali Abdullah Saleh lashed out Thursday at those who have sought to drive him from power, saying they have an "incorrect understanding of democracy." More than four months of popular uprising seeking to push the longtime ruler from power have shaken the impoverished corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Saleh has been in treatment in Saudi Arabia since June 5. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. SANAA, Yemen (AP) � Suspected al-Qaida militants killed 10 Yemeni soldiers after stopping them at a fake checkpoint in the country's restive south, security officials said Thursday. The militants ordered the soldiers off a bus as they returned from leave to rejoin their units and shot them execution style, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. The Wednesday killings show the growing strength of Islamic militants across Yemen, where security has largely collapsed during more than four months of mass protests seeking to oust President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Islamists have seized control of two towns in the southern province of Abyan, where Wednesday's attacks occurred. For weeks, Yemeni forces have fought unsuccessfully to push them out of Zinjibar and Jaar, leading to regular casualties on both sides.