Yemen: Suspected Al-Qa’ida militants kill nine near Al-Mukalla March 28

Event

Suspected Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants launched an attack on a military checkpoint west of Al-Mukalla, in Al-Aqeq region (Wadi Hajar district), late on Wednesday, March 28 (local time). During the assault, at least nine members of the UAE-backed Hadrami Elite Forces were killed and four others wounded. At least five of the suspected AQAP fighters were also killed in the attack before the remaining militants fled the area. Additional AQAP attacks are possible in the area and elsewhere in Yemen in the coming weeks.

Context

Islamist terrorist groups such as Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), locally known as Ansar Al-Sharia, initially strengthened their foothold in Yemen amid the chaos of the devastating civil war in the country, ongoing since 2015. However, Hadi government and allied forces have won key battles against AQAP militants in Abyan and other southern provinces over the past year, reasserting the control of the Hadi-led government and allied local forces over significant territory once held by AQAP militants.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.