Al-Qaeda Militants Launch Attack on Presidential Palace in Southern Yemen

Al-Qaeda militants attacked the presidential palace in the city of Al Mukalla, Yemen.

SANAA (Sputnik) – Members of the al-Qaeda terrorist group are conducting a major offensive in Yemen's southern port city of Al Mukalla, a local source has told Sputnik Arabic.

The militants are attacking the presidential palace, central prison and Central Bank of Yemen in the city, according to the source, which added that the offensive could be linked to the Houthi rebels' attacks in Aden.

Houthis have taken control of the presidential residence in Aden. Fifteen people have been killed in ongoing clashes between the rebels and those loyal to Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the city, according to a local source.

The source told Sputnik Arabic on Thursday that a ground operation could be launched in Aden with the aim of pushing Houthis out of the city.

Currently, a Saudi-Arabia-led coalition is conducting airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen. The coalition operation was launched on March 25 at the request of Hadi.

Houthis, the main opposition force in Yemen, have taken control of multiple areas in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. They have forced the Yemeni government to resign.

Forces loyal to president Hadi have been fighting against Houthi rebels in central Yemen. Meanwhile al-Qaeda terrorists have been active in the south of the country.