ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pro-government forces stormed an al-Qaeda hideout in Yemen's southern province of Abyan early Saturday, killing at least three militants and arresting some others, a local security official told Xinhua.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Yemeni government forces and Southern Transitional Council (STC) units carried out a joint operation targeting a mountainous area in Jabal al Maraqishah of Abyan.

"After several hours of fierce clashes with militants, the joint forces gained full control of the area and expelled the militants," the official added, noting, "At least three militants were killed and some others were captured during the raid."

This raid is part of a wider counter-terrorism campaign initiated in late 2022 by the Yemeni government and STC to dismantle al-Qaeda strongholds across Abyan province.

Al-Qaeda factions have been exploiting Yemen's protracted civil war and fragile security environment to consolidate their presence, particularly in the south.

Yemen has been mired in a devastating civil war since late 2014, with the Houthis battling the internationally recognized government. Enditem

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