Al Qaeda militants took over a military base in Yemen after engaging in a gun battle with soldiers on Monday, ABC News reported.
According to Dawn.com, gunmen from Ansar al-Sharia -- an Al Qaeda-linked group -- launched their attack after a suicide bomber drove through the entrance.
The attack took place at Army's Second Region HQ, located in the capital of Hadramawt province, where an unknown amount of troops are being held hostage by the attackers.
"They caused confusion because soldiers at the base thought they were being attacked by members of the Central Security apparatus," an official said.
Mukalla, the capital of the province, is a major port city in Yemen.
An exact death toll has not been released, but Yemeni officials said the militants shot several security officers dead. Al Jazeera reported three soliders were killed and six others injured.
Authorities also said the military has sent out more troops to the compound and are engaging with the attackers. A military official said they would "pay a heavy price" for their assault.
"Army troops and security forces have cordoned off the entire area," a second official added.
All military personnel spoke on anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the press.
This is the second attack by Al Qaeda and/or their affiliates on Yemen's military in 10 days.
On Sept. 20, an assault by militants in Shabwa province killed at least 56 soldiers and police officers.
The U.S. regards the Al Qaeda affiliates in the Arabian Peninsula as the most threatening and have increased drone strikes in the region as a result. In August, the State Department briefly closed the American embassy and consulates after receiving intelligence about a potential terrorist attack.
In addition, the United Kingdom also ordered all staff in their embassy in Yemen to leave due to security and safety concerns earlier this year.
