SANAA, May 15(AP/UNB) - Yemeni military officials say warplanes and troops backed by heavy artillery have intensified the war against al-Qaida along at least four fronts in the south.

The officials say fierce battles continued overnight and early Tuesday in Zinjibar, the provincial capital of Abyan that al-Qaida overran during a yearlong uprising against the now-ousted ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Militants have exploited the political turmoil to expand their foothold in the south.

The officials say raids mistakenly killed eight civilians and wounded 20 in Jaar, another southern town. They say six militants were captured in Zinjibar while four soldiers died in fighting near Lawder town.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.