The officials say security forces attacked a group of militants, which included Nazeeh al-Hanaq, a senior figure on Yemen's most wanted list. The clash took place on Monday as the militants were moving through the mountainous area of Arhab.
They say al-Hanaq escaped but two fighters with him were killed in the clashes. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.
The clashes come as the U.S. and British embassies in San'a extended their closure for a second day Monday, citing an active threat of an al-Qaida attack. Both countries are increasing counter-terror aid to Yemen, aiming to fight the terror group's offshoot here.
