At least 42 people have been killed in a series of suicide bombings targeting Yemeni troops in the southeastern city of Mukalla. The dead included 40 soldiers as well as two civilians -- a woman and a child.

37 others were also wounded. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks. It allegedly said in a statement that eight of its suicide bombers killed 50 members of Yemen's security forces.

A Yemeni official said Mukalla witnessed at least five suicide attacks in four areas. Three of them simultaneously hit security checkpoints in the coastal city at sunset, just as the troops were breaking their fast.