Yemeni security officials say a suspected US drone strike has killed seven al-Qaida fighters in the country's east.
They say the militants were travelling in a car in Mukalla, the capital of Hadramawt province, where al-Qaida has recently made advances and struck deals with local tribesmen, when the drone hit today. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
Yemen's turmoil raised concerns that al-Qaida's local branch, considered the most dangerous affiliate of the terror network, is exploiting the security and political vacuum. U.S. drone strikes targeting militants have been scaled back amid the chaos.
Al-Qaida overran Mukalla earlier this month, and last week formed an alliance with tribesmen to oversee the running of daily affairs and businesses.
