Yemeni security forces killed an al-Qaeda leader during a fire-fight in southern Abyan province, AFP reported Tuesday (July 19th).

Hassan Basonbol -- aka Abu Issa -- was killed on Monday as Yemeni security forces battled al-Qaeda fighters who has taken over the provincial capital of Zinjibar.

Tribesmen allied with the government recaptured the town of al-Shaqra from al-Qaeda, taking back the police station, a health clinic and a government building without resistance, said tribal leader Mohammed Jaadani.

In the town of Wadia, forces under Police Chief Abdullah Nasser "expelled al-Qaeda elements" without a fight. Still, the fighters continue to occupy the town of Lawder despite tribal leaders' orders for them to leave.