Yemen's Pro-Government Forces Defend Against Al-Qaeda Assault
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Synopsis
On January 23, Yemen's pro-government forces successfully repelled an al-Qaeda attack on a military site in Abyan. The conflict lasted three hours, leading to injuries among their ranks and highlighting the ongoing threat posed by terrorist factions in the region amidst Yemen's civil war.
Key Takeaways
- Pro-government forces thwarted an al-Qaeda attack in Abyan.
- Three hours of intense fighting resulted in enemy casualties.
- Six soldiers from the pro-government forces were injured.
- Counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in southern Yemen.
- The situation remains precarious due to the civil war.
Aden, Jan 23 (NationPress) Pro-government forces in Yemen successfully foiled an attempted assault by militants affiliated with al-Qaeda, who were targeting a military facility in the southern province of Abyan on Thursday, as reported by a security official to Xinhua.
The anonymous official disclosed that a contingent from the 2nd Brigade of Yemen's pro-government forces effectively defended against a deceitful attack by al-Qaeda militants in the Omran Valley during the early hours.
Violent confrontations lasted approximately three hours, leading to losses for the terrorist organization and ultimately compelling their retreat from the combat zone, although the official did not disclose the specific casualty figures.
The pro-government forces are described as highly alert and prepared to react swiftly to any threats and counter all terrorist endeavors, the official emphasized.
Additionally, a medical source informed Xinhua that at least six pro-government soldiers were injured during the conflict, with some suffering severe injuries.
Al-Qaeda factions have been taking advantage of Yemen's ongoing civil war and precarious security situation to strengthen their foothold, especially in the southern regions.
In late 2022, the Yemeni government, along with the Southern Transitional Council, launched a counter-terrorism initiative aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda bases throughout Abyan province.
Since the outbreak of civil war in 2014, initiated by the Houthi group's takeover of several northern provinces, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has been displaced from Sanaa.
Since last November, the Houthi group has been conducting rocket and drone assaults on Israel and disrupting shipping linked to Israel in the Red Sea, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In retaliation, the US-led naval coalition stationed in the Red Sea has been executing routine airstrikes against Houthi targets since January, aiming to prevent the group from interfering with international shipping routes.
