In a devastating attack on Friday morning, a suicide bomber, believed to be affiliated with the Yemen-based branch of al-Qaeda, killed at least 14 soldiers in Yemen’s southern province of Abyan. The attack took place in the Mudiyah district at around 7:00 am local time (0500 GMT), targeting the third brigade forces aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The explosion caused significant casualties, and the death toll is expected to rise as medical teams continue to treat the severely injured soldiers.
Details of the Attack
The suicide bomber drove a vehicle laden with explosives through several military checkpoints before detonating the bomb at the AlFaridh school, which currently serves as a temporary base for the STC forces. The explosion resulted in the deaths of at least 14 soldiers, with medical reports indicating the potential for more fatalities. An additional 17 soldiers were injured in the attack, some of them critically.
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Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, local security officials suspect the involvement of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), given the nature and target of the bombing. AQAP, a notorious terrorist organization, has a history of launching similar attacks in the region, particularly against STC and pro-government forces.
Broader Context of Violence in Yemen
This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued Yemen, a country embroiled in a brutal civil war since 2014. The conflict, primarily between the Iran-allied Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, has led to widespread instability and created a power vacuum that terrorist groups like AQAP have exploited.
AQAP, formed in 2009 from the merger of al-Qaeda’s Yemeni and Saudi factions, has been a persistent threat in southern Yemen, often targeting forces affiliated with the STC. In recent years, the group has carried out numerous attacks in the region, including a deadly attack in March that killed two fighters in the Abyan province. The group has also capitalized on the chaos of the ongoing civil war to expand its influence in Yemen.
Role of the Southern Transitional Council
The STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates, plays a significant role in southern Yemen, where it supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis. However, the STC also seeks independence for southern Yemen, which unified with the rest of the country in 1990. This dual role has placed the STC at odds with various factions, including AQAP.
The STC’s involvement in the conflict has made it a target for AQAP and other militant groups. The latest attack highlights the ongoing threat these groups pose to the fragile security situation in Yemen.
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The civil war in Yemen has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people displaced and in dire need of assistance. The Saudi-led coalition’s intervention in 2015, intended to restore Yemen’s government, has instead led to a protracted conflict with no end in sight. Despite a ceasefire agreement in April 2022, sporadic violence continues, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.