ADEN, Yemen, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni security forces announced on Saturday the arrest of eight suspects linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in the southern province of Lahj.

The security forces carried out a late-night operation in the Yafea area of Lahj province and busted an eight-member IS terror cell, which included four foreign fighters, said a brief press statement.

All eight men arrested have confessed to being affiliated with the IS, according to the statement.

Amidst the years-long military conflict raging in Yemen, tensions have been escalating in the southern regions, with terror militants gaining a foothold by exploiting the current instability.

Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthi rebels fighting against the internationally-recognized government and its allies.

(File photo).