The air attack on Monday appeared to be in response to Sunday's takeover of the city by 300 alleged al-Qaeda fighters and an overnight ambush that killed at least six Yemeni soldiers and injured dozens more who were travelling to the southern city.
At least five al-Qaida militants and three civilians were killed on Monday when Yemeni air force raided a southern city occupied by al-Qaida militants earlier this week.
Yemeni Navy, security and armed forces and the artillerymen have been taking part in shelling al-Qaida hideouts in the coastal city since Sunday, the official added.
Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh is still refusing to step down, and he is ready to stop the protesters movement which agitates the country since several months.