The clashes between the army and Islamists in Yemen's southern province of Abyan continued on Thursday, with explosions and sporadic gunfights heard in many parts of the province.

Dozens have been killed and injured and thousands have fled their homes to nearby cities since the clashes started weeks ago when Islamists consolidated their control over some cities in Abyan.

Those who are still inside the city remain indoors.

Separately, the authorities in Aden said today ten suspected Al-Qaeda militants had been arrested. The suspects were held while coming from Abyan, security sources said.

Also, weapons inside one of their cars were seized, the sources said, adding that the weapons were hidden under a pepper shipment.

Interrogators are investigating the suspects, they added.