Yemeni security officials say a prominent tribal chief has been killed in an ambush, an apparent revenge attack by al-Qaida for his security links.

The officials said suspected al-Qaida 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-Qaida members.

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

The government, backed by the U.S., has been going after al-Qaida militants who have established strongholds in Yemen's south.