Yemeni warplanes launched an air strike on mountainous areas close to el-Mahfad, targeting local al-Qaeda militants gathered in the region, sources told Arabstoday. At least six missiles hit the assembled militants, leading to a number of al-Qaeda deaths and injuries. Two leading members were reportedly killed after a car they were fleeing the area in was hit. It is believed al-Qaeda has a presence in el-Mahfad after fleeing recent clashes with the Yemeni army and tribesmen in the Mareb governorate.