17 people at least were killed today in clashes in eastern Yemen, shortly after a leading member of al Qaeda was shot by his brother, said local sources.

The conflict broke out between supporters and opponents of Tariq al-Dahab, who was killed by his half brother Chazam al Dahab in the eastern province Al Bain, the broadcast television network al Arampigia reported, citing local sources.

The Chazam shot Tariq inside a mosque in al Masanech, according to news site Mareb Press. Two companions of Tariq also lost their lives.

Then, members of al Qaeda fired rockets at his house, killing himself and two relatives.

This led to an eruption between the two sides, during which 17 people got killed.

According to al Arampigia, government forces did not intervene to stop the conflict.

The cause of the attack on Tariq is not known, although a source of racial authority said the Chazam was murdered by an order given by the Yemeni authorities.

Tariq was relative of the spiritual leader of al Qaeda al Aoulaki Anwar, who was killed in a U.S.
airstrike last year.