Yemen-based al-Qaida on Friday took over several government buildings, including two state-run banks, in the provincial capital city of the southern troubled province of Abyan, a provincial government official told Xinhua.

"Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula defeated government forces on Friday following fierce clashes in Zinjibar, the provincial capital city of Abyan, and controlled almost the whole strategic city including the government facilities," the official said on condition of anonymity.