Yemeni military units have successfully expelled Al-Qaeda forces from a valley located in Abyan, a southern province of Yemen. This victory came on the heels of the military’s successful takeover of a base previously under Al-Qaeda’s control in the same region.
Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, the spokesperson for the southern pro-independence forces, shared with Arab News about the rapid capture of Al-Janan valley and the neighboring mountainous regions. This followed their raid on Al-Qaeda’s Al-Hajlah military camp in Moudia, even as they faced threats from landmines and other explosive traps.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has historically used a series of mountains linking the provinces of Abyan, Al-Bayda, and Shabwa for various nefarious activities. This includes recruiting, hiding captives and weapons, and orchestrating attacks on various Yemeni security and military installations.
Al-Naqeeb pointed out the strategic moves of the southern forces deeper into Moudia’s valleys. Their aim is to keep Al-Qaeda forces from reassembling, entering urban sections of Abyan, or finding refuge in the valley’s thick foliage.
Highlighting the significance of this operation, Al-Naqeeb said it would assist the East Arrow forces in safeguarding Moudia against Al-Qaeda threats emanating from Al-Bayda. This is seen as a step forward in capturing more territories in Abyan.
The East Arrow operation, initiated by the Yemeni military a year prior, was designed to target Al-Qaeda’s main bases in the rugged terrains of Abyan and Shabwa provinces. The military has since engaged Al-Qaeda strongholds in valleys and mountains, including Omaran.
Countering the military advances, Al-Qaeda has resorted to guerrilla warfare, employing landmines, IEDs, and other explosive devices. Tragically, an IED explosion claimed the life of a senior separatist military leader recently. Additionally, in just one year, over 100 soldiers have been killed and another 200 injured in Abyan due to Al-Qaeda’s retaliatory strikes and explosives.
