Officials: Fighters seize town near Yemeni capital January 15, 2012 -- Updated 0941 GMT (1741 HKT) The group of at least 30 enters Radda Saturday night They seize mosque and three pivotal mountaintops Residents: Suspected militants face little resistance from government forces (CNN) -- Dozens of suspected al Qaeda militants attacked government posts southeast of the Yemeni capital, seizing strategic areas, local authorities and witnesses said. The group of at least 30 entered Radda Saturday night with little resistance from government forces, they said. The fighters came from Gaifa district, which neighbors Radda, according to witnesses. They seized a mosque and three pivotal mountaintops, and created a checkpoint in the northern entrance of the town, according to local officials who did not want to be named because they are not authorized to talk to the media. These fighters had disputes with the government last month. They attacked government soldiers due to personal disputes, and now suddenly they are linked to al Qaeda," said Ali Kahwash, a local store owner. Attempts to reach government officials were unsuccessful. Security officials believe attackers were planning the raid for some time, and said a small number of troops were in the town. Residents said the town is not linked to militants. Radda has no al-Qaeda loyalists. This does not make any sense at all," said Abdul Kareem al-Obahi, a businessman. The town is about 110 miles southeast of the capital, Sanaa, and lacks essential infrastructure. It's one of the most heavily-armed towns in the nation, and residents are encouraged to carry arms.