Five suspected terror militants and two Yemen troops were killed in clashes with suspected AQAP fighters on Tuesday in the southern province of Abyan, three security officials confirmed.

Heavy air raids were conducted in militant hideouts forcing the militants to search for new positions. Nine other troops were injured in the clashes that lasted more than 13 hours.

Security officials confirmed that 300 additional troops were deployed to the province on Monday as the government is trying to regain control of Abyan after losing it last May.

Clashes escalated two months ago after opposition parties vowed to support the government attacks against militants, calming western powers for the meantime.

At least 300 militants and troops were killed in 2011 clashes.

Government claims to have control of large areas of the province, but eyewitnesses on the ground confirm otherwise.

Hundreds of foreign fighters are supporting Islamic militants in their fight against the government.

Security officials confirmed that tens of foreigners were identified after being killed, mostly from Somalia and Saudi Arabia.