Yemeni military officials have said eight people have been killed in two suspected US drone strikes in Abieda valley in central Marib province.



Residents contacted by The Associated Press say that at least two of the eight people killed in Saturday evening's strikes were known al-Qaeda militants of Saudi nationality. They identified one as Ismail bin Jamil.



They say at least three of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. Residents spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal.



The US has carried out dozens of suspected drone attacks against al-Qaeda in Yemen, which Washington considers the group's most active branch.



