ADEN, Yemen, May 15 (Xinhua) -- At least four members of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch were killed when a U.S. drone targeted their vehicles in the southeastern province of Shabwa early Tuesday, a security official told Xinhua.

"Two vehicles of al-Qaida militants were struck with American missiles, leaving at least four terrorists killed at the scene," the local security official said on condition of anonymity.

Local residents also said the two vehicles were completely destroyed with four charred bodies found in the area.

The al-Qaida network, mostly operating in Yemen's eastern and southern provinces, is responsible for many high-profile attacks against security forces in the war-torn country.

The U.S. military has carried out multiple airstrikes against al-Qaida fighters across Yemen since U.S. President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the group.

The Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, seen by the U.S. as the global terror network's most dangerous branch, has exploited years of deadly conflict between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels to expand its presence, especially in southeastern provinces.