Yemen said on Tuesday it is a matter of time to clear Militants from Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province in the south, of al-Qaida as al-Qaida continued to receive devastating blows.

Al-Qaida seized Zinjibar and other towns in Abyan in mid-2011 and more recently the army with support from popular fighters has repelled attacks by militants to occupy more towns in nearby provinces.

An official said the army launched large-scale operations against al-Qaida militants forcing them out of their stronghold and positions and the forces is about to retake over all areas held by al-Qaida in Abyan. .

Public offices including the post office, sport facilities and markets were regained during the battles, in which dozens of militants have been killed and injured, the source said.

"There are clear signs the situation is in favor of the army amid ongoing, successful attacks on militants," the source said.

Also, a security official was quoted by the 26sep.net website, the mouthpiece of the Defense Ministry, as saying at least 52 militants were killed over the past two days in battles and air strikes in Zinjibar and Jaar cities in Abyan and in the nearby Shabwa province.

Al-Qaida key leaders were among those killed, the official said.

Hundreds of militants have been killed and injured in the past few weeks in raging battles with the armed forces and popular fighters in southern and southeastern regions.

The US provides direct support to help eradicate militancy including drone raids, which have killed many terrorists.