Fierce clashes have flared up in Yemen, pitting army troops backed by tribal fighters, against Al-Qaeda militants. Sunday's violence in southern Abyan Province killed at least 12 combatants, and injured dozens more.

One army official says 8 Al-Qaeda members and 4 tribal soldiers were killed during the clash in the provincial capital, Zinjibar. The 25th Mechanized Brigade initiated the offensive, to root out extremists holed up in the city.

The campaign is also aimed at regaining government control over the area. The troops were met by a barrage of mortar shells, launched from militant positions. Abyan, located 480 kilometers south of Sanaa, is a key stronghold for Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula.