In the past, witnesses to U.S.-backed anti-militant attacks say the strikes have also killed civilians.

The fight against al-Qaida is just one of several in which Yemeni President Ali Abudullah Saleh is engaging. Shabwa is also home to the secessionist Southern movement. And in the north, the government has been fighting rebels on and off for several years. Vast areas of the country are largely beyond government control.

Political analyst Steinbeiser says the general discontent is symptomatic of the major economic and social problems in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world.

"Until the people begin to feel calmer and begin to feel there is more stabilization, then I think groups like al Qaida will continue to have great influence, especially among the youth," he said.

Steinbeiser says the government would do better to broaden the scope of its anti-terrorism campaign to include improving the economy and the education system.