ADEN, Yemen - Al-Qaida militants launched several armed attacks against the police stations and intelligence headquarters in southern Yemen's province of Lahj on Wednesday, attempting to seize the city, a provincial security official told Xinhua.

Al-Qaida militants infiltrated into Lahj province and carried out offensive to a number of intelligence and security buildings in the city by heavy machine guns and artilleries, the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told Xinhua.

Fierce clashes erupted between the security forces and al-Qaida militants near the headquarters, the official said, adding that casualties is not available till now.

The fighting is extremely violent and loud explosions rocked the city amid heavy gunfire, local residents told Xinhua.

Al-Qaida militants have seized control of government buildings and facilities including banks in south Yemen during the past four weeks, killing and injuring dozens of soldiers.