Security Belt Commander in Abyan Killed in an AQAP Attack (Updated)

Abyan (South24) 

Today, the commander of the Security Belt Forces in Abyan governorate, South Yemen, Brigadier General Abdulatif Al-Sayyid was killed in a terrorist attack officially claimed by AQAP.

A high-ranking security source told "South24 Center" that an explosive device was placed on the main road in "Wadi Jenin" area of Mudiya district, before Al-Sayyid's convoy passed.

The explosion killed him instantly, along with at least three of his escorts, and wounding others.

Al-Sayyid was appointed commander of the Security Belt Forces in Abyan governorate on August 3. Prior to that, he served as commander of the Security Belt Forces in Abyan Delta region (several districts).

A security source told "South24 Center" that "the explosive device planted by AQAP was filled with C-4, a highly explosive material".

In a statement by AQAP-affiliated platform Al-Malahem, the extremist organization officially claimed the attack using an explosive device.

A local source told "South24 Center" that the prominent tribal sheikh, Mohammed Karid Al-Jadaani, was also killed in the explosion, which led to widespread tribal mobilization against AQAP.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) mourned Al-Sayyid and his escorts. The statement said that military operations against AQAP in Abyan and South will not stop.

The US Embassy in Yemen said on its official account on "X" platform: "We have been informed of the killing of the commander of the Security Belt Forces in Abyan governorate, Abdulatif Mohammed Hussein Bafakih (Al-Sayyid) and a number of his escorts this morning."

"As we offer our sincere condolences for this great loss, we affirm the continued support of the United States for Yemen in combating and eradicating terrorism," the embassy added.

The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) member and STC Vice-President Abdulrahman Al-Muhrammi described Abdulatif Al-Sayyid as an "extraordinary hero."

Senior STC official said that they are paying the price for their national project by multiple parties, which he did not specify.

During the past hours, Wadi Jenin witnessed violent clashes between the Southern forces and AQAP elements, according to a military source who spoke to "South24 Center".

Wadi Jenin is located in the border areas with Al-Bayda governorate, which is controlled by the Houthis. It represents an outlet for smuggling weapons and fighters for AQAP.

In exclusive statements to "South24 Center" on Wednesday, the Southern forces spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, said that they clashed with AQAP members in Wadi Jenin in Mudiya.

"Our forces are tracing AQAP elements. The Swords of Haws campaign is an extension of Arrows of the East operation to purify Abyan from terrorism," he added.

The operation came one day after the arrival of the UN employee Akam Sufiul Anam to his home country, Bangladesh, after he was kidnapped by AQAP, along with others, 18 months ago in Abyan.

Bangladeshi media said that Akam returned to Bangladesh yesterday, from the UAE, after he was rescued on Tuesday from AQAP's grip 

The Southern forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, told "South24 Center" that the Southern forces succeeded in releasing Anam from AQAP's grip. Al-Naqeeb did not disclose more details.