US drones launched on Thursday evening intensive raids on several sites for militants believed to belong to al Qaeda organization in the governorates of Shabwa and al Bayda eastern and central Yemen.

Local sources said that the US drones have launched more than 20 raids on al Shaba area in Yashbim valley of Shabwa, southeastern Yemen.

Local residents have told Almasdaronline reporter that the ongoing air raids have caused casualties.

According to sources, Apache aircrafts have also taken part in the violent attack, which began Thursday night and lasted until early Friday morning.

A tribal source said that perhaps the raids have targeted hideouts of al-Qaeda senior leaders.

However, the sources did not provide a statement on the results of the bombardment.

In Qurayshiah district of al Bayda, the US aircrafts have also launched several raids on the areas of Nofan, Aqaba, and Zaaj.

"The air strikes destroyed three houses, a block factory, a gas station, and a weapons depot”.  According to local residents.