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United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad (centre) and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Eyad Ameen Madani (left), arrive in Jeddah yesterday. Al Houthis rejected a UN peace offer leading to renewed fighting in Yemen. Image Credit: AFP

Sana’a, Yemen (AP): Yemeni security officials say at least 10 fighters from a pro-government militia have been killed when suspected Al Qaida militants targeted their convoy with two car bombs.

The officials say the attack took place late on Sunday in the Yafea area in Lahj province, where Yemen’s Al Qaida branch controls several areas, including a large base in which it has stockpiled heavy weapons looted from army depots elsewhere.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.

Al Qaida has taken advantage of Yemen’s civil war to gain a foothold in several southern Yemeni areas.

The war pits troops and militiamen loyal to the internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, against Shiite Al Houthi rebels and a former president’s loyalists.