SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Yemeni military officials say eight people have been killed in two suspected U.S. drone strikes in Abieda valley in central Marib province.

Residents contacted by The Associated Press say that at least two of the eight people killed in Saturday evening's strikes were known al-Qaida militants of Saudi nationality. They identified one as Ismail bin Jamil.

They say at least three of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. Residents spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal.

The U.S. has carried out dozens of suspected drone attacks against al-Qaida in Yemen, which Washington considers the group's most active branch.

The nation on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula is among the poorest in the region.