SANAA, Yemen — Yemeni military officials say two people have been killed and nine al-Qaida-linked militants captured after a failed attempt to seize a small town in the south.
The officials say the militants attacked military positions early Sunday near the town of al-Awabel in al-Dhali province, about 100 kilometers (65 miles) north of the southern port of Aden. One soldier and one militant were killed in the fighting.
The officials say the army, backed by tribal gunmen, repelled the militant assault.
Unlike other parts of southern Yemen, al-Dhali has not seen serious clashes with militants.
The officials, speaking said on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said Sunday’s attack was launched by al-Qaida fighters who were defeated two weeks ago in fighting around Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province.
