Security officials say Yemeni tribesmen have for the first time joined the battle against al-Qaida-linked militants in a lawless southern province.
The officials say clashes on Sunday in the towns of Lawder and Modya in southern Abyan province killed one militant and wounded four tribesmen. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

Government troops are struggling in Abyan against the Islamic militants after losing control over the provincial capital, Zinjibar, and another town, Jaar.
There are concerns that the militants are exploiting Yemen's political turmoil amid a months long popular uprising demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to expand their influence.