Al-Qaida suicide attack targets Shiite Houthi group in Yemen, 12 killed

About 12 Shiite Houthi gunmen were killed when suspected al-Qaida suicide attack targeted their military position in southeastern province of al-Bayda on Monday evening, a tribal chief told Xinhua.

"A military position manned by Shiite Houthi fighters was struck by an explosives-laden car in the town of Radda, killing about 12 members of the Houthi group and injuring others," the local tribal said on condition of anonymity.

It was not immediately clear if the car bomb was remotely detonated or was driven by a suicide bomber, but witness said "it looked like an al-Qaida suicide attacker blew up his car, killing himself among the Houthis."

Monday's suicide attack occurred in the town of Radda, in the central province of al-Bayda province, where al-Qaida terrorists are active, some 270 km southeast of capital Sanaa.

A security official confirmed the incident, saying that several people were killed on the spot and several others were taken to hospitals for treatment and care.

Another improvised explosive device exploded in the same area about half an hour after the first explosion, leaving up to 6 people injured, the source added.

The Shiite Houthi group, known locally as Ansarullah, advanced to the country's central regions after they took over control of capital Sanaa in late September. However, they are facing growing resistance of Sunni tribes and al-Qaida militants.

The impoverished Arab country has been gripped by regional al- Qaida insurgency since 2009. Terrorist groups, mainly based in southern and eastern provinces, have launched frequent suicide attacks on army and security targets, leaving hundreds of people dead. Endi