Dawn drone attack in Yemen kills 7

At least seven suspected al-Qaeda operatives were killed in a drone attack in south east Yemen at dawn on Wednesday Local sources in the Shabwa province where the attack took place, said two large explosions were heard in the central area of Markhe, which turned out to be caused by a drone ?that was seen flying over the area, as flames shot out of two cars carrying the supposed al-Qaeda fighters. The sources added that seven people were killed in the attack that destroyed both cars, and that unknown gunmen arrived to the scene shortly after and took the bodies ?to an undisclosed destination.? The attack on Wednesday was the fifth drone attack in Yemen in the past two weeks that so far have killed at least 25 people. A drone attack on the Maarib province on Tuesday killed at least four people including an alleged local al-Qaeda leader. The drone attacks follow a US warning of a possible major militant attack in the region. The warning issued by Washington on Friday has prompted the closure of several Western embassies in Yemen and several US missions across the Middle East and Africa. The New York Times reported on Monday that the closure of the US embassies was prompted by intercepted communication between al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri and Nasser al-Wuhaishi, head of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Security in Yemen is a global concern as it is home to AQAP, considered one of the most aggressive branches of the global militant organization, and shares a long border with Saudi Arabia, a US ally and the world's top oil exporter. The US government backs Yemeni forces with funds and logistical support. Al-Qaeda has previously taken control over cities in the Abyan and Shabwa provinces in south Yemen, ?declaring them Islamic Emirates before the military managed to retake control nearly a year ago.