Al-Qaeda has overrun the town of Rada, some 130 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, local and tribal officials said on Monday.

"Al-Qaeda has taken over the town and is now the de facto power there," one local official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"The government security forces have retreated to their bases and militants are now manning the checkpoints in and outside of the town," he added.