Al Qaeda militants have withdrawn from Jaar in southern Abyan province, after hours of fierce confrontations with fighters of the popular committees on Wednesday.

Al Qaeda militants have withdrawn from Jaar, after clashes, which left 15 members of popular committees and militants dead, said member of the local council in Jaar Abdullah Ja'bal.

Taking advantage of the fragile security situation in regions retaken from the Houthi militants and ongoing conflict in others, Al Qaeda group has expanded its presence in some southern provinces including Aden, Shabwa and Lahj.

Sources: MENA