Almotamar.net - Three soldiers and a tribal sheikh were killed on Thursday when terrorist gunmen ambushed their convoy in Baydha province, a security official said.

The ambush targeted Baydha governor Aldhahri al-Shadadi and commander of the 7th military region General Ali Mohsen Muthana in Thi Naem district as they were returning to Baydha city after an inspection tour to some military sites, the Defense Ministry's website quoted the official.

Both, al-Shadadi and Muthana, have survived the attack.

The military escort clashed with the attackers, killing six of them and wounding some others. Some of the attackers managed to escaped, the official said.

The ambush came as a military and security assault that began overnight focused on the Shabwa province towns of Maifaa and Azzan. The assault is part of a major offensive launched on Tuesday aimed at clearing al-Qaida militants from their remaining hideouts in Shabwa and Abyan provinces.

Dozens of al-Qaeda militants, including leaders, were killed, wounded or arrested. Some others have fled and are being hunted, according to military officials.