A security official in Abyan confirmed the death of the colonel and two soldiers in clashes with Islamic militants in Zinjibar, Abyan.
The official said that two militants were also killed as clashes continue in the province since the early morning.
"Clashes are intensifying in the city and the government is trying to put an end to the militants control over the city," the official said.
Clashes in Abyan have been ongoing since last May when Islamic militants took over the province in an effort to turn it into an Islamic state.