Families started on Sunday fleeing the Yashbum Valley in Yemen's Southeastern Province of Shabwa after jet fighters have been flying over the valley and nearby areas over the last few days, local sources said.

The planes triggered the fear of the families particularly after military reinforcements were dispatched to the regions.

The families were afraid they could be easy targets as the operations against Al-Qaeda continue in the areas of Al-Shi'aba, Al-Saeed and Yashbum where Al-Qaeda militants including U.S.-born Yemeni cleric Anwar Al-Awlaki, wanted by both countries, are hiding.

In late September, the security forces carried out large-scale operations against terrorist militants in Al-Hawta town in the province, and week later, they said the town was cleared of Al-Qaeda militants.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has been responsible for deadly attacks in southern and southeastern regions, mainly in Shabwa, in the last few months.

Security buildings and public security and intelligence officers were main targets.