Sanaa, February 4 (RHC)-- At least 12 people have been killed in two US drone strikes in Yemen's southern provinces. Six of the fatalities -- all of whom were reportedly al-Qaeda militants -- were killed in a U.S. drone raid in the Maraqesha district of Abyan Province early on Thursday.

At least six people were killed in another US drone attack in Shabwa Province of Yemen, a security official said. The drone targeted a vehicle belonging to al-Qaeda militants in the Rudum district of the province late on Wednesday, killing all the occupants, the unnamed official said.

The U.S. carries out drone attacks in Yemen and several other Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. Washington claims the attacks target al-Qaeda militants, but local sources say civilians have been the main victims of the raids.