International

The attack occurred when an explosive device detonated near a military patrol in the Wadi Omyran area of the Mudiyah district in eastern Abyan, the local military source said on condition of anonymity.

He confirmed that the powerful blast destroyed the patrol vehicle and killed three soldiers instantly and injured three others.

The source said al-Qaeda militants were likely behind the bombing, as they had previously planted explosive devices targeting security forces in Mudiyah and elsewhere in Abyan.