CAIRO: A prominent tribal chief was killed in an ambush, an apparent revenge attack by Al Qaeda for his security links, Yemeni security officials said.  

The officials said suspected Al Qaeda militants fatally shot Ali Abdul-Salam Thursday and wounded two of his guards as they rode in his vehicle in the southern province of Abyan.

Security and tribal officials said Abul-Salam, an elected local council member in Shabwa province, was accused by militants of providing information to security agencies and foreign intelligence that led to the targeting of Al Qaeda members.

The officials were speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to reporters.

The Yemeni government has been going after Al Qaeda militants who have established strongholds in Yemen's south.