SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Yemeni pro-government troops, backed by forces from a Saudi-led military coalition, seized a town Sunday as they advanced in their offensive to retake territory held by Islamic State and al-Qaida forces east of the port city of Aden.

Military officials said government troops in armored vehicles and tanks, under cover of heavy airstrikes, entered the small town of Al-Kawd after brief clashes. The officials, speaking anonymously because they aren't authorized to brief reporters, said the government forces were now pushing toward the towns of Zinjibar and Jaar with the support of the coalition artillery and naval fire.

Residents of Al-Kawd said army trucks with loudspeakers urged residents to stay inside their homes until the town is fully under control. The residents said two civilians were killed and four others wounded when a warplane bombed a car laden with explosives and left in a street.

The conflict in Yemen pits the internationally-recognized government and the coalition against Shiite rebels known as Houthis.

The war has left a security vacuum throughout parts of the country. Both al-Qaida and its rival, the Islamic State group, have exploited the turmoil and expanded their footprint in the country's southern region.