Yemen started few weeks ago a campaign to raise awareness among the students at the primary and high schools about extremism. Officials at the endowments and guidance ministry said the campaign is aimed at te students at the primary school.

The campaign, which also highlights moderation of Islam, started in the capital Sanaa and is designed to cover all schools in the country, the officials said.

A school head in Sanaa said the endowments ministry is sending Egyptian clerics to educate the Yemeni students about moderation of Islam.

"Some clerics have told the students that Islam prohibits the killing of innocents and attacking electricity, oil and other public facilities and properties," the head said. "Moreover, clerics are delivering lectures focused on the effects of extremism and the acts of the Jihadist groups including Al-Qaida".

The campaign coincided with the expanded war on Al-Qaida militants in southern regions.

Earlier today, the armed forces continued the expanded operations, which started on Saturday, with the participation of the Air Force and the Navy.

The battles come within an effort to retake some towns, which were held by Al-Qaida last year.

On Sunday, the army was reported to have advanced toward Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan, and that the militants have been almost defeated.

Many militants have been killed in recent weeks in Abyan and drone strikes have also contributed to the killing of senior terrorist leaders.