Residents in Jaar said the militants told them to not leave their homes under any circumstances.

CNN: Al Qaeda claims it killed American in Yemen

The Yemeni navy also participated in the attack, bombarding Jaar for three hours Sunday morning.

CNN: Al Qaeda claims it killed American in Yemen

In June, the Yemeni military, with help from pro-government fighters, recaptured Jaar and the neighboring Zinjibar from al Qaeda militants.

CNN: Officials: Dozens killed in suicide attack at Yemen wake

Two security officials in Abyan said that the attacks were carried out by Yemeni forces targeting weapons caches in Jaar.

CNN: Al Qaeda claims it killed American in Yemen

He arrived in Aden from Abyan province last week after leading military operations against al Qaeda in the towns in Jaar, Zinjibar, and Shuqra.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Three raids on Thursday killed 12 jihadists and destroyed large weapons caches near Jaar, in Abyan, with no losses among government forces, three security officials told CNN.

CNN: Yemen pours troops into battle with al Qaeda

They will target Jaar, Lowder and Zinjibar districts.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS