SANAA, Yemen – A tragic incident unfolded in southern Yemen on Monday as an explosive device claimed the lives of six troops affiliated with a United Arab Emirates-backed secessionist group, according to a military spokesperson. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by militants linked to al-Qaida, took place in the mountainous region of the Modiyah district in southern Abyan province. Eleven other troops sustained injuries in the explosion, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by military personnel in the region.
The Southern Armed Forces, the military arm of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, which holds significant control over southern Yemen, found itself once again targeted by violence. Despite tensions with the internationally recognized government, both groups are united in their fight against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who hold sway over the north and Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.
The military spokesperson attributed the attack to al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a notorious branch of the terror group known for its enduring presence and deadly tactics in the region. The group has capitalized on the chaos of Yemen’s civil war, which erupted in 2014 after the Houthi rebels captured Sanaa and pushed the internationally recognized government into exile.
AQAP’s continued activity poses a significant threat to stability in Yemen, where the conflict has left the country in ruins, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The group’s ability to operate and carry out attacks underscores the challenges faced by both local and international efforts to restore peace and security in the embattled nation.
As Yemen grapples with the devastation wrought by years of conflict, residents and officials alike remain vigilant against the persistent threat of extremist violence, which continues to claim innocent lives and destabilize communities across the country. The latest attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and security in a nation plagued by violence and turmoil.