Three suspected Al-Qaida militants were killed in an airstrike in south Yemen on Tuesday, where the army is pursuing the remaining and escaping terrorists after driving them out from Abyan in the past few months, informed sources said.
The airstrike, believed to be from a US drone, targeted the car of the three carrying weapons in the Harib area in the district of Bayhan, Shabwa, the sources said.
"The suspects in the car were killed and explosions of the weapons were heard after the strike," they added.
Earlier, the authorities said Al-Qaida has been eradicated by 85% in Yemen and that the hunt for those who escaped from Abyan after the recent offensive is continuing until all militants were killed or arrested.
The army has regained control of all the strongholds of Al-Qaida, which were seized in Abyan and Shabwa last year, and killed hundreds including senior Qaida leaders.
The US and tribal fighters have provided direct support to the national forces, with many militants including wanted leaders targeted by drones.
Separately, three civilians were injured in an explosion in the Lawder town, Abyan, which was believed to be a landmine of those which were planted by Al-Qaida after it was driven out from the province.
Dozens of civilians have been recently killed in landmine explosions in Abyan just as many families are trying to return to their areas after almost a year of displacement in nearby provinces.