2012 Abyan offensive

The Yemeni revolution caused widespread unrest across Yemen as protestors demanded the resignation of longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Yemeni Armed Forces were split between those who remained loyal to Saleh and cracked down on the uprising, and those who backed the protestors and joined the opposition.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-06-12 |title=Yemen army, in major victory, retakes two cities |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-army-in-major-victory-retakes-two-cities-idUSBRE85B0O3/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Reuters}} The government redeployed most Saleh-loyalist security forces across the country, including in southern Yemen, to more populated urban areas including the capital of Sanaa in order to maintain control.{{Cite web |last=Al-Haj |first=Ahmed |last2=Gamel |first2=Kim |date=2011-04-10 |title=Islamic enclave in Yemen shows militant risk |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42522191 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=NBC News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Iona |date=2011-05-30 |title=Al Qaeda group said to take over major Yemeni city |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-may-30-la-fg-yemen-fighting-20110530-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624230751/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-may-30-la-fg-yemen-fighting-20110530-story.html |archive-date=2022-06-24 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}File:Yemen division 2012-3-11.svgAQAP's traditional strongholds are positioned in southeastern Yemen.{{Cite news |last=Arrabyee |first=Nasser |last2=Kasinof |first2=Laura |date=2011-05-29 |title=Islamists Seize a Yemeni City, Stoking Fears |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/world/middleeast/30yemen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617074106/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/world/middleeast/30yemen.html |archive-date=2022-06-17 |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Abyan Governorate and other areas of southern Yemen have long been sources of Islamic extremism since many locals fought alongside the Afghan mujahideen before the area became a common training ground for militants on their way to participate in the Iraqi or Somali insurgencies. Prior to the revolution, AQAP had never attempted to control and administer large population centres, insteading remaining in remote, mountainous areas in the south. However, divisions in the military and the government's preoccupation with maintaining control in urban centres created a security gap which it exploited.{{Cite news |last=Abdul-Ahad |first=Ghaith |date=2012-04-30 |title=Al-Qaida's wretched utopia and the battle for hearts and minds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/30/alqaida-yemen-jihadis-sharia-law |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 27 March 2011, militants from the group seized Jaʽār and its surrounding areas as army units fled their posts.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-28 |title=Scores dead as blast rips through explosives factory |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20110328-yemen-scores-dead-blast-rips-through-explosives-factory |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=France 24 |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} Later in April, AQAP announced the creation of Ansar al-Sharia, a local rebrand which would attract people in areas under their control through its work and ideology.{{Cite web |last=Coombs |first=Casey L. |date=2012-05-09 |title=Hot Issue — The Ansar al-Shari’a Insurgency in Southern Yemen: The View from the Ground |url=https://jamestown.org/program/hot-issue-the-ansar-al-sharia-insurgency-in-southern-yemen-the-view-from-the-ground/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2012-03-16 |title=Profile: Yemen's Ansar al-Sharia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-17402856#:~:text=Ansar%20al-Sharia,%20whose%20name,establishment%20of%20an%20Islamic%20state. |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 27 May, amid fighting between security forces and pro-opposition tribesmen in Sanaa, AAS invaded and seized Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan Governorate, after the army and other security forces abandoned the city. An offensive launched by the army and allied tribesmen in July eventually culminated in the "liberation" of the city in September according to officials, though only the northern and eastern parts were under government control.{{Cite web |date=2011-09-11 |title=Yemeni army fights off Islamists; official says at least 230 soldiers killed in battles with Qaeda |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/09/11/166420 |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}} A stalemate proceeded into the end of the year.{{Cite news |last=Trégan |first=François-Xavier |date=2011-12-28 |title=Sur la ligne de front de Zinjibar, fief des djihadistes du Yémen |trans-title=On the front line of Zinjibar, stronghold of Yemen's jihadists |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/12/28/sur-la-ligne-de-front-de-zinjibar-fief-des-djihadistes-du-yemen_1623320_3218.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110519/https://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/12/28/sur-la-ligne-de-front-de-zinjibar-fief-des-djihadistes-du-yemen_1623320_3218.html |archive-date=2023-04-07 |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=Le Monde |language=fr |trans-quote=Commander Rupert's men recaptured the military barracks on September 10. Since then, it's been a standoff.}} Separately, militants also seized the town of Shuqrah in August,{{Cite web |date=2011-08-17 |title=Residents: Islamists seize third Yemeni town |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44178506 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=NBC News |language=en}} as well as Azzan in neighbouring Shabwah Governorate in June{{Cite web |last=Roggio |first=Bill |date=2011-06-02 |title=AQAP seizes 2nd city in southern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/06/aqap_seizes_second_city_in_sou.php |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2011-06-01 |title=Yemen: AQAP Seizes Southeastern City Of Azzan |url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/yemen-aqap-seizes-southeastern-city-azzan |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Stratfor}} and al-Rawdah in September.{{Cite web |last=Roggio |first=Bill |date=2011-09-07 |title=AQAP takes control of another town in southern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/09/aqap_takes_control_of_another.php |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}

Saleh was accused by the opposition of letting Abyan be overran by militants in order to increase his importance to the counterterrorism-focused United States and save his regime. His attempts would fail as he was forced to resign and ceed power to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi in February 2012. In response to his inauguration, the militants launched a string of attacks culminating in an assault on army installations in the towns of Dofas and al-Kawd on 4 March, killing 185 soldiers.{{Cite news |last=al-Haidari |first=Fawaz |date=2012-03-06 |title=Yemen army death toll from Qaeda assault jumps to 185 |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jVSJakuO6RiI-f26iNrwpTnHNfyg?docId=CNG.8d00793f54020effb2d70dbdc8e09a48.141 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130817060258/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jVSJakuO6RiI-f26iNrwpTnHNfyg?docId=CNG.8d00793f54020effb2d70dbdc8e09a48.141 |archive-date=2013-08-17 |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=Agence France-Presse}} On 9 April, AAS launched an attack on the strategic town of Lawdar, instigating an intense battle for it.{{Cite web |last=McGregor |first=Andrew |date=2012-04-20 |title=New Yemeni Resolve to Defeat al-Qaeda Bearing Results in Lawdar |url=https://jamestown.org/brief/briefs-86/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}}

On 5 May, in his first public speech since his inauguration, President Hadi promised a new offensive against the militants, stating:

"The real battle against the terrorist al-Qaeda organization has yet to begin and will not end until we have eradicated their presence in every district, village and position; it will not end until internally displaced citizens are assured that they can return safely to their homes and organized terrorist operatives have surrendered their weapons and rid themselves of ideologies that contradict the sacred values of the Islamic religion."{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-05-05 |title=Yemeni president vows offensive against al Qaeda |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/05/05/world/meast/yemen-hadi-speech/index.html |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 8 May, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed that the US had "begun to reintroduce small numbers of trainers into Yemen."{{Cite web |last=Dozier |first=Kimberly |date=2012-05-08 |title=US sending "small number" of military trainers back into Yemen as insurgent violence grows |url=https://calgary.citynews.ca/2012/05/08/us-sending-small-number-of-military-trainers-back-into-yemen-as-insurgent-violence-grows/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=CityNews |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} The first soldiers reportedly arrived on 11 May.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-11 |title=US Counter Terror Trainers Arrive in Yemen |url=http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5334&MainCat=3 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Yemen Post}}

On 9 May, Defense Minister Mohammad Nasser Ahmed visited a number of military installations across the south to review combat readiness before the offensive. During his visit, he met with 201st Mechanized Brigade commander Gen. Mahmoud al-Subaihi and 119th Infantry Brigade commander Gen. Faisal Rajab before giving a speech to the soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-10 |title=وزير الدفاع يزور عدد من الوحدات العسكرية والأمنية المرابطة في المنطقة العسكرية الجنوبية |trans-title=The Minister of Defense visits a number of military and security units stationed in the Southern Military Region. |url=http://www.sabanews.net/ar/news268387.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513114025/http://www.sabanews.net/ar/news268387.htm |archive-date=2012-05-13 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Saba News Agency |language=ar}} He also visited the Southern Military Region commander Gen. Salem Ali Qatan at Badr Air-force Camp in Aden alongside Governor Waheed Ali Rashid.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-10 |title=Preparations to storm Al-Qaeda-controlled town |url=http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5329&MainCat=3 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Yemen Post}}

The offensive began on 12 May with the participation of 25,000 soldiers from eight military brigades. The 25th Mechanized Brigade, stationed in Zinjibar's outskirts, the 201st Mechanized Brigade, the 119th Infantry Brigade, the 31st Armored Mechanized Brigade, the 115th Infantry Brigade, and the 39th Armored Brigades from the Southern Military Region were the first to advance, while the 135th Infantry Brigade, part of the First Armored Division in Sanaa, and the 111th Infantry Brigade stationed in Lawdar joined later.{{Cite news |last=Dawood |first=Ahmed |date=2012-05-14 |title=Broadened military attacks to purge Abyan |url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1572/news/835/Broadened-military-attacks-to-purge-Abyan.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601044856/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1572/news/835/Broadened-military-attacks-to-purge-Abyan.htm |archive-date=2012-06-01 |access-date=2025-04-12 |work=Yemen Times |language=en}} The Yemeni Air Force launched raids on militant targets before the army moved in on the ground. It also dropped leaflets on Lawdar, Mudiyah and al-Wade'a district urging locals to not cooperate with the militants in order avoid being bombed. An airstrike early morning in Jaʽār killed three militants and one civilian. Attacking from the west, the army reached the Kadama area on the outskirts of Jaʽār. The army moved in on Zinjibar from three directions supported by the air force and the navy. Clashes in the areas lead to the deaths of six militants and two soldiers, including one colonel, while 12 other soldiers were injured.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-12 |title=U.S. drone strikes kill 11 Qaeda militants in Yemen as army launches major offensive |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/12/213708 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}

On 13 May, air raids across Abyan lead to the deaths of at least 30 militants. In Jaʽār, militants took refuge from the airstrikes inside government buildings in the town center.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-14 |title=Yemeni raids kill 16 al-Qaida militants in south |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2012/05/14/yemeni-raids-kill-16-al-qaida-militants-in-south/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} At dawn, army forces launched an assault on the al-Hurur area west of Zinjibar, pushing out the militants as government forces destroyed captured army vehicles, including nearly a dozen tanks and vehicles mounted with rocket launchers. The capture of al-Hurur positioned the army just outside of Jaʽār. Clashes around Zinjibar and in the nearby town of al-Kawd killed 12 soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-13 |title=30 al Qaeda militants killed in Yemeni fighting |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/30-al-qaeda-militants-killed-in-yemeni-fighting/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} Government forces reached the Shaddad Fort, around three kilometres east of the city, and Zinjibar Bridge, just one kilometre south of the city.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-14 |title=Yemen anti-Qaeda drive intensifies |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/yemen-anti-qaeda-drive-intensifies/6coq80d1a |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=SBS News |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}} Militants reportedly blew up an oil pipeline in Mayfaa district, Shabwah, in retaliation to losses from the offensive.{{Cite web |last=al-Haidari |first=Fawaz |date=2012-05-14 |title=Yemen battles rage, 37 Qaeda militants reported killed |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ge6Fi3phaqtOos-jPQrg_aadgB1w?docId=CNG.ba931eaf00377ee5bd435da4bb4fc82f.831 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320215149/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ge6Fi3phaqtOos-jPQrg_aadgB1w?docId=CNG.ba931eaf00377ee5bd435da4bb4fc82f.831 |archive-date=2013-03-20 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Agence France-Presse}} An attempted attack on the northern gate of the al-Anad Air Base near the living quarters was repelled, though one military officer was killed.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-15 |title=Yemen: U.S. troops directly guiding four-front assault on Qaeda militants for first time |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-us-troops-directly-guiding-four-front-assault-on-qaeda-militants-for-first-time/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=CBS News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

On 14 May, heavy fighting erupted in the al-Jabalain area near Jaʽār as army forces attempted to advance on the town.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-15 |title=At least 53 killed in anti-Qaeda sweep across south Yemen |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/15/214346 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}} An airstrike on a vehicle travelling on the outskirts of Lawdar killed 6 militants, while 10 militants were killed by airstrikes on Shuqrah.{{Cite news |date=2012-05-14 |title=Yemen: Heavy clashes in Zinjibar |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18064489 |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Six army soldiers were killed during clashes in Zinjibar.

On 15 May, the military began launching airstrikes on Jaʽār, five days after it dropped leaflets on the town warning civilians to avoid militant hideouts. The first attack targeted a house and killed two militants. A later air raid killed 12 people from a group of civilians which gathered around the house after the initial strike, and injured 21. Later airstrikes in the town killed 11 militants. The army arrested 25 militants on motorcycles in the area. Clashes in al-Jabalain continued until early in the day, killing at least eight militants and one soldier, and leading to the arrest of two Somali militants.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-05-15 |title=At least 44 killed in offensive on Yemen militants |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/at-least-44-killed-in-offensive-on-yemen-militants-idUSBRE84E0CE/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Reuters}} The Yemeni Army had managed to push into the center of Zinjibar, while air force helicopters flew over the city for the first time since its seizure, indicating that the militants had lost their anti-air capability. In Lawdar, eight Popular Committee fighters and eight soldiers were killed, including Colonel Qasim Dabwan of the 111th Infantry Brigade, who was killed by a militant sniper. Popular Committee spokesperson Ali Ahmed said that security forces had pushed the militants "further away from the southern and western entrances of the city." Clashes in the strategic Yusuf Mountain area which overlooks Lawdar left 12 militants, five Popular Committee fighters, and two soldiers dead after the military launched airstrikes on militant hideouts in the area. Government forces seized the hilltop after intense fighting.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-05-16 |title=Yemen: 19 killed in clashes with al-Qaeda fighters |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/yemen-19-killed-in-clashes-with-al-qaeda-fighters-453358-May2012/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=The Journal |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

On 16 May, militants fired artillery at government forces stationed on the hilltop of the Yusuf Mountain, killing two armed tribesmen and wounding four. The army launched a counterattack in response, killing 11 militants in clashes atop the mountain.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-16 |title=13 More Killed as South Yemen Clashes Rage into 5th Day |url=https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/40385-13-more-killed-as-south-yemen-clashes-rage-into-5th-day |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Naharnet |agency=Agence France-Presse}} Government forces eventually captured the mountain by 11:00 as the militants had retreated.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-05-16 |title=Yemen army advances on militants, fighting heavy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-offensive/yemen-army-advances-on-militants-fighting-heavy-idUSBRE84F0WJ20120516/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Reuters}} Airstrikes on a farm in Mudiyah destroyed two vehicles and killed at least 16 militants, including top local commander Samir al-Fathani. Hit-and-run battles between security forces and militants in Zinjibar left four soldiers dead, while a Jordanian surgeon was arrested on suspicion he was heading to join the militants in Zinjibar.{{Cite web |date=2015-03-26 |title=Yemeni army kills 29 al-Qaida fighters |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/yemeni-army-kills-29-al-qaida-fighters |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} A military officer stated that the army was advancing towards the southeast entrance of the city.{{Cite news |date=2012-05-16 |title=South Yemen air strikes 'kill 16' in Abyan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18092783 |access-date=2025-04-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 17 May, the military stated that it was advancing in Zinjibar backed by artillery and airstrikes. Yemeni officials stated that the offensive in Zinjibar had slowed down in part due to poor intelligence, leading to uncertainty as to whether most militants in the city were dead, fled the battle or strategically withdrew in preparation for a counteroffensive. The bodies of 11 soldiers and tribal fighters were found in an area the militants retreated from near Lawdar, seemingly killed execution-style. Later in the day, the Yemeni Defense Minister announced that Lawdar had been cleared of militants and was fully secured, ending the battle in the area. Local residents celebrated in the streets as some fired guns into the air. An airstrike in Shuqrah killed six suspected militants.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-18 |title=Yemeni army pushing into al-Qaida stronghold |url=https://www.stardem.com/article_22be756f-bcfa-5a52-9e3d-b3ee0764a1de.html |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=The Star Democrat |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

On 18 May, the military began a two-pronged attack against Jaʽār{{Cite web |last=Al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-05-21 |title=17 die in Yemen's push on al-Qaeda |url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-21/news/31801769_1_qaeda-jaar-ahmed-ali |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907015830/http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-21/news/31801769_1_qaeda-jaar-ahmed-ali |archive-date=2015-09-07 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |agency=Associated Press}} as army forces moved in and clashed with militants about 10 kilometers north of the town, killing eight of them.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-05-19 |title=Yemeni troops kill 11 al Qaeda militants in south |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/719610/yemeni-troops-kill-11-al-qaeda-militants-in-south |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Dawn |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} According to the military, the army made "notable advances" west of Jaʽār and were situated near an ammunition depot controlled by the militants in the vicinity of the town. Five militants were killed by armed tribesmen as they prevented them from passing through their village northwest of Jaʽār.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-18 |title=Yemen army advances towards al-Qaeda bastion |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/18/214952 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}} Airstrikes on Shuqrah killed three militants and wounded six.

On 19 May, clashes about six miles from Jaʽār left 12 soldiers and 22 militants dead.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-19 |title=Yemen: 36 killed in fighting with Al Qaeda |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/yemen-36-killed-in-fighting-with-al-qaeda-483612 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=NDTV |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} A surprise attack on a military post in the Rahwat al-Hisan area south of Jaʽār killed five soldiers and injured four, while army retaliation killed six militants. Separately, militants destroyed two army tanks in Abyan, killing their operators.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-19 |title=Raging Battles on Edge of Militant Stronghold in Yemen, Dozens Killed |url=http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5398&MainCat=3 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Yemen Post}}

On 20 May, overnight clashes on the western outskirts of Jaʽār killed 13 militants and five tribal fighters, and wounded an additional four.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-20 |title=18 Killed as Yemen Army Battles Qaida |url=https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/40854-18-killed-as-yemen-army-battles-qaida |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Naharnet |agency=Agence France-Presse}} The air force launched four strikes on al-Rabwa, at Jaʽār's western entrance, killing several militants. Witnesses reported seeing 18 vehicles loaded with militants from Azzan being sent to reinforce Jaʽār.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-21 |title=Spanish cop goes missing in restive Yemen |url=https://www.arabnews.com/spanish-cop-goes-missing-restive-yemen |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Arab News |language=en}} A statement written by AQAP leader Nasir al-Wuhayshi surfaced on jihadist internet forums in which he urged militants to fight to the death. His statement was largely perceived by analysts as an admission of defeat according to the Yemen Post.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-20 |title=AQAP leader urges militants to fight to last breath |url=http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5403&MainCat=3 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521014038/http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5403&MainCat=3 |archive-date=2012-05-21 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Yemen Post}}

On 21 May, clashes took place at night at the western entrance of Jaʽār, leaving 11 militants and three soldiers dead, and 17 soldiers wounded. Clashes erupted in the northeast of Zinjibar as an attack on a military base in Wadi Hassan, east of the city, killed seven soldiers and wounded 23.{{Cite web |last=Mounassar |first=Hammoud |date=2012-05-22 |title=Yemen vows to fight as Qaeda bomber kills 96 troops |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iGvZv-zegilWMy06sW2GM0SQhxnQ?docId=CNG.9fe01a9a23b4d8e30a17b2110c515b2d.641 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525002408/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iGvZv-zegilWMy06sW2GM0SQhxnQ?docId=CNG.9fe01a9a23b4d8e30a17b2110c515b2d.641 |archive-date=2012-05-25 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Agence France-Presse}} In the capital of Sanaa, a suicide bombing killed 96 soldiers at a military parade rehearsal for the upcoming Unity Day. AAS claimed responsibility for the bombing, calling it revenge for their losses in the offensive.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-21 |title=Yemeni suicide bomber kills nearly 100 soldiers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/yemeni-suicide-bomber-kills-nearly-100-soldiers-1.1273757 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=CBC News |agency=Associated Press}}

On 22 May, new clashes occurred on the western outskirts of Jaʽār while fighting had subsided around Zinjibar.{{Cite web |last=al-Jabiri |first=Jamal |date=2012-05-22 |title=Yemen, US vow to crush Qaeda after troops massacred |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/yemen-cancels-army-parade-troops-massacred-065250765.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 23 May, seven soldiers and 22 militants were killed during clashes in the militant-controlled town of Bajidar which lasted until morning. The military launched heavy artillery and airstrikes on Zinjibar and Jaʽār.{{Cite web |last=Al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-05-23 |title=22 al-Qaida militants killed in Yemen fighting |url=https://www.idahopress.com/news/national/22-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-yemen-fighting/article_c8283f21-173b-511b-bc42-cee5c8012ff4.html |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Idaho Press |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} The Yemeni Army advanced into and secured several parts of the central and northern neighbourhoods of Zinjibar, including the stadium and government buildings. At least seven militants were killed and one soldier wounded in the city. 26 militants and nine soldiers were killed in Jaʽār, while two militants were killed as the air force bombed AAS checkpoints in Shuqrah.{{Cite web |last=McDowall |first=Angus |last2=Mukhashaf |first2=Mohammed |date=2012-05-23 |title=Yemen government troops advance; donors pledge $4 bln aid |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-government-troops-advance-donors-pledge-4-bln-aid-idUSDEE84M0H1/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Reuters |language=en-US}}

On 24 May, overnight fighting in the Jaʽār area left 35 militant fighters dead after AAS conducted an attack on army forces in Wadi Bana, west of the city. Security forces took control of the Wadi Bana after the attack.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-24 |title=Yemen: 35 al-Qaida militants killed in clashes |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2012/05/24/yemen-35-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-clashes/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} A military official stated that though the army was making progress in its advance on Jaʽār, "it was facing resistance" from the militants. Sporadic clashes continued in Zinjibar, where the militants snipers were targeting security forces who had taken control of several buildings on the outskirts of the city. AAS launched a counterattack against government forces from the eastern parts of the city but were pushed back, with only one soldier suffering injuries.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-24 |title=Yemeni army kills 35 fighters in the south |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/5/24/yemeni-army-kills-35-fighters-in-the-south |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Two soldiers were killed and six were wounded in the city altogether.{{cite web |date=2012-05-24 |title=Yemen army battles Al Qaeda, 35 militants killed |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/yemen-army-battles-al-qaeda-35-militants-killed-484731 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |accessdate=2012-05-24 |website=NDTV |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 26 May, at least 62 militants were killed in Zinjibar as army forces moved deeper within the city and regained key positions.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-26 |title=Yemen’s army says recaptured key positions in rebel-held Zinjibar |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/26/216597 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Al-Samei |first=Mohammed |date=2012-05-28 |orig-date=2012-05-27 |title=Military rejects Ansar Al-Sharia cease-fire offer |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/military-rejects-ansar-al-sharia-cease-fire-offer |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=ReliefWeb |language=en |publication-date=2012-05-29 |agency=Yemen Times}} The 25th Mechanised Brigade "managed early on Saturday to deal heavy blows to terrorists in Maraqid and Mashqasa … killing 20 terrorist elements, most of them Somalis" according to its commander Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Sawmali. Two soldiers were killed and four were wounded in the battle for the areas located on the northeastern outskirts of Zinjibar. After capturing them, the army seized machineguns, rockets, and rocket propelled grenades.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-26 |title=33 killed in fighting between Yemen army, Qaeda |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/26-May-2012/33-killed-in-fighting-between-yemen-army-qaeda |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=The Nation |language=en-US |agency=Agence France-Presse}} The bodies of 25 soldiers who had died in earlier clashes were found in the city. A roadside bomb near Jaʽār killed eight soldiers in a military vehicle.{{cite web |date=2012-05-26 |title=Yemen's army recaptures rebel positions, 62 militants killed |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/42943/World/Region/Yemens-army-recaptures-rebel-positions,--militants.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019170800/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/42943/World/Region/Yemens-army-recaptures-rebel-positions,--militants.aspx |archive-date=2014-10-19 |accessdate=2014-10-15 |website=Ahram Online |agency=Reuters}} The military captured several hills located two kilometers from Jaʽār and seized large quantities of weapons abandoned by retreating militants. A Yemeni aircraft bombed a factory west of the town being used by militants as a base, killing seven.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-27 |title=At least 22 militants killed in Yemeni fighting |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/27/us-yemen-violence-idUSBRE84Q04R20120527/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Reuters}} According to CNN, President Hadi ordered forces positioned on the outskirts of Jaʽār and Zinjibar to start an all-out offensive on the cities.

On 27 May, around 15 militants were killed in overnight clashes north of Jaʽār. Reports stated that the 25th Mechanised Brigade, 39th Armored Brigade and local Popular Committee's had recaptured all militant-held positions in the east of Zinjibar, including Maraqid and Mashqasa. A military source stated to the Yemen Times that clashes were ongoing in Zinjibar and that the army had gained control of a large portion of Jaʽār. AAS reportedly proposed a ceasefire agreement in which it would free captured soldiers and civilians, along with a female Swiss tourist, in exchange for the army halting its artillery shelling of Zinjibar and Jaʽār, but it was rejected.

On 28 May, overnight clashes occurred near Jaʽār as ground forces backed by the air force slowly advanced towards it. Five militants including a "mid-level commander" for AQAP, Abdul Rahman al-Musallami, were killed along with one civilian. According to a military official, the military advanced to "about three kilometres of Jaʽār," and have "surrounded the city from the north, the east and the west."{{Cite web |date=2012-05-28 |title=Six killed as Yemeni troops advance on Qaeda bastion |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/43066/World/Region/Six-killed-as-Yemeni-troops-advance-on-Qaeda-basti.aspx |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Ahram Online |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 29 May, an attack on a military convoy in the village of Mazraat Mashhour, southwest of Zinjibar, left three soldiers and two militants dead. The militants "failed to seize the contents of the convoy" which was headed to Zinjibar from Aden.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-05-30 |title=Five killed as Qaeda attacks Yemen army convoy |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/82518/five-killed-as-qaeda-attacks-yemen-army-convoy |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Antara News |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}} The military claimed that it had secured most of Zinjibar but was still involved in fierce clashes to completely capture it.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-05-29 |title=Yemen: 11 militants and five soldiers killed in south |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/722291/newspaper/column |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Dawn |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} The army continued its cautious advance towards Jaʽār backed by heavy airstrikes and artillery shelling which destroyed nine houses in the city, killing a resident and injuring three. The city itself was almost entirely deserted excluding the militants, who had "set up anti-aircraft guns and dug trenches in the streets and pulled their heavy weapons into the center of the town from the outskirts for fear of airstrikes" according to a local resident. The army advanced at least one kilometer towards Jaʽār, capturing militant-held positions on its outskirts which put it within two to three kilometers of the town, while killing at least 10 militants.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-05-29 |title=Yemen army outflanks rebel-held Jaar - official |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-army-outflanks-rebel-held-jaar-official-idUSBRE84S17F/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Reuters}}

On 30 May, an early morning counterattack was launched by the militants on army positions in al-Hurur. The militants attempted to encircle the army, however their maneuver was resisted in an intense two-hour battle{{Cite web |date=2012-05-30 |title=Yemen: Airstrike, shelling kills 20 al-Qaida-linked militants in south |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemen-airstrike-shelling-kills-10-militants-in-south/2012/05/30/gJQAscBz0U_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601232959/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemen-airstrike-shelling-kills-10-militants-in-south/2012/05/30/gJQAscBz0U_story.html |archive-date=2012-06-01 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press}} which left at least 20 militants and seven soldiers dead, and another four soldiers wounded. The 135th Infantry Brigade and 201st Mechanised Brigade successfully repulsed the attack and defused landmines planted by the militants before subsequently increased pressure on the besieged militants in Jaʽār.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-30 |title=20 قتيلاً من القاعدة و7 جنود جراء اشتباكات عنيفة على مشارف جعار |trans-title=20 Al-Qaeda members and 7 soldiers killed in violent clashes on the outskirts of Jaar |url=http://almasdaronline.com/index.php?page=news&article-section=1&news_id=32596 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531230358/http://almasdaronline.com/index.php?page=news&article-section=1&news_id=32596 |archive-date=2012-05-31 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Al-Masdar Online |language=ar}} Artillery shelling and clashes west of Jaʽār left 17 tribal fighters and six soldiers dead and 12 injured. Early day airstrikes on a militant communications station near Shuqrah, which was used to "direct operations using the Internet, wireless communications and a satellite telephone" according to military officials, killed three and wounded seven.

On 31 May, fighting was reported on the northern and western outskirts of Jaʽār where the army, backed by local Popular Committee fighters, assaulted militant positions. Six soldiers and 12 militants were killed in the clashes, while a further seven militants were killed by artillery shelling in the town.{{cite web |date=2012-05-31 |title=31 dead in Yemen fighting with Qaeda |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/31-May-2012/31-dead-in-yemen-fighting-with-qaeda |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210184119/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/31-May-2012/31-dead-in-yemen-fighting-with-qaeda |archive-date=2012-12-10 |access-date=2014-10-15 |work=The Nation |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 1 June, AAS announced that it had released 27 soldiers captured the previous month in Abyan after they had pledged to quit the army.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-01 |title=Yemeni militants say they release 27 soldiers |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemeni-militants-say-they-release-27-soldiers-idUSDEE85006E/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Reuters}} Three militants were killed and five were wounded when a bomb they were making exploded in al-Mahfad.{{cite web |date=2012-06-02 |title=Four Qaeda fighters, soldier killed in Yemen |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/723326/four-qaeda-fighters-soldier-killed-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124084225/http://dawn.com/2012/06/02/four-qaeda-fighters-soldier-killed-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2012-11-24 |accessdate=2014-10-15 |work=Dawn |agency=Agence France-Presse}} A reported US drone fired three missiles at a house in eastern al-Mahfad, destroying it and communications equipment inside of it, along with killing at least 11 militants including three Somalis and other foreigners. The house was reportedly a compound used for communications and meetings between AQAP members.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-01 |title=Drone attack kills 11 in south Yemen: residents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/drone-attack-kills-11-in-south-yemen-residents-idUSBRE8500Q8/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-01 |title=12 al-Qaida insurgents killed in U.S. drone strike in south Yemen |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-06/01/c_131626216.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215202424/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-06/01/c_131626216.htm |archive-date=2013-02-15 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Xinhua}} Clashes broke out in the evening as army forces headed from Lawdar district to the al-Arqoub and Shuqrah areas to cut off AAS supply lines. 10 militants were killed and 14 were arrested during the clashes.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-02 |title=اليمن: مقتل 10 من أنصار الشريعة وتحرير محتجزين |trans-title=Yemen: 10 Ansar al-Sharia members killed, detainees freed |url=http://archive.arabic.cnn.com/2012/yemen.2011/6/2/Yemen.10-killed/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.is/HP9tu |archive-date=2012-01-15 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=CNN Arabic}}

On 2 June, the military stated that one soldier had been killed and six were injured as militants fired three rockets at the base of the 25th Mechanised Brigade during clashes outside of Zinjibar. Four militants were killed during the clashes. An official from the brigade stated that two militants were killed in the southern district of the city late in the day, while a soldier was killed in the same area by a militant sniper. He claimed that the military was in control of the northern, eastern and southern outskirts of the city, but was still engaged in securing the central area of it and its remaining northwestern entrances to cut it off from Jaʽār to the north and Shuqrah to the east. Four militants were killed by artillery south of Jaʽār.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-06-04 |title=10 Qaeda fighters, soldier killed in south Yemen clashes |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/82639/10-qaeda-fighters-soldier-killed-in-south-yemen-clashes |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Antara News |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 3 June, AAS forces launched an attack on army positions in central Zinjibar, near a branch of the Central Bank and other government institutions, in an attempt to regain control of the area. Clashes in the central streets lasted from 5:00 to 7:0 when the army eventually repelled the militants, killing six while losing two soldiers.{{Cite web |last=Al-Samei |first=Mohammed |date=2012-06-04 |title=More dead in as clashes continue in Abyan between Al-Qaeda, army troops |url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1578/news/932/More-dead-in-as-clashes-continue-in-Abyan-between-Al-Qaeda-army-troops.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207163148/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1578/news/932/More-dead-in-as-clashes-continue-in-Abyan-between-Al-Qaeda-army-troops.htm |archive-date=2014-02-07 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Yemen Times}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-03 |title=Troops, insurgents battle in centre of southern Yemen city |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/troops-insurgents-battle-in-centre-of-southern-yemen-city-idUSDEE85206L/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Reuters}} 13 militants were killed in clashes outside of Jaʽār, while two militants were killed by artillery shelling on their car in al-Kawd.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-06-03 |title=Yemen army says 21 al-Qaida militants killed |url=https://www.thereporteronline.com/2012/06/03/yemen-army-says-21-al-qaida-militants-killed/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=The Reporter |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} The army and Popular Committee forces advanced from Lawdar towards Shuqrah in order to "tighten the noose around al-Qaeda militants from all sides" according to the military.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-06-04 |title=10 Qaeda fighters, soldier killed in south Yemen clashes |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/82639/10-qaeda-fighters-soldier-killed-in-south-yemen-clashes |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Antara News |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}} President Hadi reportedly ordered Republican Guard commander Ahmed Saleh to take a central role in recapturing Zinjibar, with additional Republican Guard units being deployed to the city.

On 4 June, reports detailed that the Yemeni Army was preparing for a push to retake Shuqrah, with hundreds of soldiers along with army tanks advancing towards the town. In Lawdar, two militants in a car bomb, of whom one was reportedly dressed as a woman, attacked an army checkp oint at Um Sorra, killing four Popular Committee personnel and injuring five.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-04 |title=Four Killed in Militant Suicide Bombing in Yemen |url=http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5500&MainCat=3 |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Yemen Post}} The attack targeted Col. Mohammed Batreeh, head of military intelligence in Abyan, though he survived the incident.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-04 |title=Yemen army gears up for push on al Qaeda-held town |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/environment/yemen-army-gears-up-for-push-on-al-qaeda-held-town-idUSBRE8530FJ/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Reuters}} According to a colonel in Zinjibar, about 50 Somalis had arrived at Jaʽār via boat in order to support AAS.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-04 |title=Military Colonel: Dozens of Somalis arrive in Yemen to back al-Qaeda |url=http://www.yobserver.com/front-page/10022086.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620015759/http://www.yobserver.com/front-page/10022086.html |archive-date=2012-06-20 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Yemen Observer}}

On 5 June, intense overnight clashes in Zinjibar which began the previous day left at least 23 militants and one soldier dead, and another injured. 15 of the militants were killed at the Shaddad Fort, while others were killed near the Hassan Stadium and al-Kawd as they attempted to infiltrate military positions in the southwestern and northern edges of the city.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-05 |title=Yemen: Clashes kill at least 23 al-Qaida militants |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2012/06/05/yemen-clashes-kill-at-least-23-al-qaida-militants/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-05 |title=مصدر عسكري: مصرع 23 إرهابيا بينهم أجانب في مواجهات مع الجيش بزنجبار و الكود |trans-title=Military source: 23 terrorists, including foreigners, killed in clashes with the army in Zinjibar and Al-Koud |url=http://www.sabanews.net/ar/news271109.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608044222/http://www.sabanews.net/ar/news271109.htm |archive-date=2012-06-08 |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Saba News Agency}}{{Cite web |last=Ghobari |first=Mohammed |last2=Mukhashaf |first2=Mohammed |date=2012-06-05 |title=Northern rebels agree to join talks on Yemen's future |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/commodities/northern-rebels-agree-to-join-talks-on-yemens-future-idUSL5E8H530U/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Reuters}} The military reported 10 militant casualties during clashes in Jaʽār.

On 6 June, clashes in Zinjibar which began the previous night into the morning left 17 militants and six soldiers dead. They were described as one of the fiercest rounds fighting in the city since the offensive began.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-06 |title=Clashes in Yemen kill 17 al-Qaida militants |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/06/clashes-in-yemen-kill-17-al-qaida-militants/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514030605/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/06/clashes-in-yemen-kill-17-al-qaida-militants/ |archive-date=2013-05-14 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Fox News |agency=Associated Press}}

On 7 June, an airstrike on the eastern outskirts of Jaʽār destroyed a pick-up truck loaded with heavy weapons as it driving on a road to Zinjibar.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-07 |title=12 Qaeda gunmen killed in south Yemen |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/44188/World/Region/-Qaeda-gunmen-killed-in-south-Yemen.aspx |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Ahram Online |agency=Agence France-Presse}}{{Cite web |last=Lina |first=Yang |date=2012-06-07 |title=2 al-Qaida commanders killed in air strike in southern Yemen |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-06/07/c_131638330.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215202344/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-06/07/c_131638330.htm |archive-date=2013-02-15 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Xinhua}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-07 |title=Yemen: 23 al-Qaeda militants killed in south |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-23-al-qaeda-militants-killed-in-south/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} The strike left 5 militants dead and three wounded. AAS militants attempted to retake control of the village of Batis, north of Jaʽār, after it was secured by government forces a week earlier. Popular Committee fighters along with soldiers backed by artillery fought off the attack and killed at least 20 militants. An ambush near Batis lead by former militant and Popular Committee leader Abdullatif al-Sayed killed five militants. A Yemeni plane bombed a militant checkpoint in Mudiyah, killing two militant commanders while they were inspecting it and injuring seven others. In Lawdar, local tribesmen foiled two separate attempts by suicide bombers to infiltrate the town.

On 8 June, militants opened fire on an army post on the western outskirts of Jaʽār, killing two soldiers and wounding four. In response, the army shelled the city of Jaʽār with artillery, killing at least nine militants and wounding five.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-09 |title=11 people, mostly jihadists, killed in Yemen south |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/44313/World/Region/-people,-mostly-jihadists,-killed-in-Yemen-south.aspx |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Ahram Online |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

On 9 June, intense overnight clashes in areas east of Jaʽār lasted until morning, killing 10 militants and three soldiers. Yemeni warplanes struck militant-held areas inside and near the city.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-09 |title=Clashes, air strikes in south Yemen, 13 killed |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/clashes-air-strikes-in-south-yemen-13-killed-idUSBRE8580AP/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Reuters}}

On 11 June, the military its most serious effort to capture Jaʽār to date, moving in on the city from three different directions.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-11 |title=Yemen army attacks Islamist stronghold, dozens dead |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jun-11/176439-yemen-army-seizes-al-qaeda-munitions-factory-kills-26-gunmen.ashx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614054603/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jun-11/176439-yemen-army-seizes-al-qaeda-munitions-factory-kills-26-gunmen.ashx#axzz1xOwbwHWX |archive-date=2012-06-14 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=The Daily Star |agency=Reuters}} Overnight clashes translated into the day as the army captured several small towns in the surrounding areas of the city.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-11 |title=Yemen retakes ground in push on Islamist rebels |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-retakes-ground-in-push-on-islamist-rebels-idUSBRE85A0FB/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Reuters}} Yemeni airstrikes and artillery targeted the center of the town, while bombing runs were reported north and west of it.{{cite web |date=2012-06-11 |title=Yemen army battles al-Qaida, says 28 killed |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/yemen-army-battles-al-qaida-says-28-killed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105184651/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/11/yemen-new-fighting-in-south-kills-13-militants/ |archive-date=2014-11-05 |access-date=2014-10-15 |website=Fox News |agency=Associated Press}} After hours of fighting, government forces successfully captured a hilltop munitions factory overlooking the town used as a base by the militants, about five kilometers away from the center of the city.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-11 |title=28 killed as Yemen troops clash with Al-Qaeda |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614020124/http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-clashes-leave-11-dead-105426823.html |archive-date=2012-06-14 |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US |agency=Agence France-Presse}} Within the factory were the bodies of 12 suspected militants. 26 militants and two soldiers were reported to have been killed in Jaʽār, while 13 soldiers were injured. A military official stated that the army was positioned on the outskirts of the city and was ready to enter it, but were not going to do so during the day as they "feared the militants might have booby-trapped most of the surrounding roads." In Shuqrah, clashes lead to the deaths eight militants and the injury of four soldiers. Government forces also seized Ahwar, a town nearby to Shuqrah.

On 12 June the Yemeni army succeeded in retaking Zinjibar and Jaar, pushing the militants away after heavy clashes in and around both towns. At least 28 casualties were reported, all but two of them being insurgents. Local residents reported vehicles carrying armed men, weapons and furniture heading east towards Shuqrah. The militants reportedly distributed pamphlets in Jaar apologising to residents for dragging the town into a conflict with the army and for the damage caused by the fighting. The governor of Abyan Governorate Jamal al-Aqel estimated that about 200-300 militants, including senior leaders and foreign fighters, had fled east and were being pursued by government forces. The Army reopened the main road between Jaar and Aden and vehicles could travel to the port for the first time in more than a year. The Defence Ministry said on its website that the Yemeni Navy had sunk 10 boats in which the militants had been planning to flee Shuqrah if needed.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-jaar-idUSBRE85B0O320120612 |title=Yemen army, in major victory, retakes two cities |agency=Reuters |accessdate=15 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021033317/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/12/us-yemen-jaar-idUSBRE85B0O320120612 |archive-date=21 October 2014 |url-status = live }}

After two days of heavy battles the Army reported regaining control of Shuqrah on 15 June. At least 57 militants were confirmed killed, with most of the rest fleeing to Shabwah Governorate and the city of Azzan, one of the last urban strongholds of the militants. The adjacent province also saw intense fighting, with reports indicating at least 23 insurgents died on 14 June during clashes at gas facilities near Belhaf. Government forces have not yet announced their own casualty figures, as well as the civilian toll.

On 17 June, AQAP peacefully withdrew from Azzan following mediation by local tribal leaders. However, the following day, the Army general leading the assault against the militants, General Salem Ali Qatan, was killed in the port city of Aden by a suicide bomber. Two soldiers were killed in the attack and twelve people sustained injuries.{{cite web |title= HostedNews article f48842f043.b41 |url= https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gfh9pzBwpZqjj08byRNmeyI1DKFw?docId=CNG.763de37c7fa31e7e7d0945f48842f043.b41 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130125105131/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gfh9pzBwpZqjj08byRNmeyI1DKFw?docId=CNG.763de37c7fa31e7e7d0945f48842f043.b41 |url-status = dead|archive-date= 25 January 2013 |accessdate=18 June 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-south-yemen-army-chief/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113104906/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-south-yemen-army-chief/ |url-status = dead|archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=Suicide bomber kills south Yemen army chief |publisher=Trust.org |date=18 June 2012 |accessdate=19 June 2012 }}

In the weeks after the recapture of the main population centers there were no reported incidents. The first major attack was on 1 August, when a group of around 20 militants attacked a police station in the former insurgent stronghold of Jaʿār, killing four officers and injuring another.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/militants-attack-yemeni-police-killing-four/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113222919/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/militants-attack-yemeni-police-killing-four/ |url-status = dead|archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=Militants attack Yemeni police, killing four |publisher=Trust.org |date=1 August 2012 |accessdate=1 August 2012 }} Three days later, a suicide bomber killed at least 45 people and injured more than 40 others during a funeral service in Jaar. Military officials and residents said the bomber targeted tribesmen who sided with the Yemeni army during an offensive against Islamist fighters that the government hailed as a major victory in June.{{cite web|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201284221823573685.html|title=Deadly suicide attack hits Yemen's south|date=5 August 2012|accessdate=6 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805201037/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201284221823573685.html|archive-date=5 August 2012|url-status = live}} Abyan remained quiet for the following weeks, despite major attacks by AQAP against the central intelligence building in Aden on 18 August,{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/2012818141110939727.html |title=Security officers killed in Yemen attack |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=18 August 2012 |accessdate=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820000010/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/2012818141110939727.html |archive-date=20 August 2012 |url-status = live }} as well as the convoy of Yemeni Defense Minister Gen. Mohammed Nasser Ahmed in the heart of the capital Sana'a. The latter blast came one day after the government announced the death of AQAP number-two operative Said al-Shihri in a US drone strike.{{cite web |url=http://bostonglobe.com/news/world/2012/09/11/attack-yemen-targets-defense-minister-who-escapes-but-are-killed/W4oIQBoC10qYGucmvlEGiI/story.html |title=Yemen’s defense minister eludes assassination |date=12 September 2012 |accessdate=12 September 2012 |work=The Boston Globe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203124132/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2012/09/11/attack-yemen-targets-defense-minister-who-escapes-but-are-killed/W4oIQBoC10qYGucmvlEGiI/story.html |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status = live }} On 16 October a suicide bomber killed six local militia members at a checkpoint outside the city of Mudya in Abyan.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/suicide-bomber-kills-6-yemeni-civilian-militia-184529143.html|title=(Suicide bomber kills 6 in Yemen's south (Yahoo! News via Reuters)|date=16 October 2012|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023012232/http://news.yahoo.com/suicide-bomber-kills-6-yemeni-civilian-militia-184529143.html|archive-date=23 October 2014|url-status = live}} On 19 October militants set off a car bomb at an army base in Abyan Governorate, sparking a heavy firefight with security forces. Sixteen soldiers and 8 militants were killed during the raid, while at least 29 soldiers were injured.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/al-qaeda-attack-on-yemen-army-base-kills-24/ |title=Al Qaeda attack on Yemen army base kills 24 |publisher=Trust.org |date=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 |url-status = dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314060446/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/al-qaeda-attack-on-yemen-army-base-kills-24 |archivedate=14 March 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://main.omanobserver.om/node/116753 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223092704/http://main.omanobserver.om/node/116753 |url-status = dead|archive-date=23 February 2013 |title=15 soldiers perish in attack on army base |publisher=Oman Daily News |date=19 October 2012 |accessdate=19 October 2012 }} A suicide bombing at a militia office in Zinjibar killed at least three on 16 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-qaeda-idUSBRE8AF0XI20121116|title=(Yemen suicide bomber kills three in Abyan militia offices (Reuters)|agency=Reuters|accessdate=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021033431/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-yemen-qaeda-idUSBRE8AF0XI20121116|archive-date=21 October 2014|url-status = live}}

In the beginning of December Amnesty International released a report on the fighting, accusing both sides in the conflict of "horrific" rights abuses and calling for an impartial government probe into events on the ground. According to the report, Islamic militants had set up their own courts and carried out "public summary killings, crucifixion, amputation and flogging". Ansar al-Sharia also "used residential areas as a base of operations, particularly in Jaar, thus exposing civilians to harm. The London-based watchdog also accused Yemeni government troops of using air strikes, artillery and mortars to indiscriminately bombard civilian areas, resulting in scores of casualties, including many children.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/9722080/Southern-Yemen-experienced-human-rights-catastrophe-during-al-Qaeda-rule.html|title=Southern Yemen experienced human rights 'catastrophe' during al-Qaeda rule (The Telegraph)|date=4 December 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022191442/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/9722080/Southern-Yemen-experienced-human-rights-catastrophe-during-al-Qaeda-rule.html|archive-date=22 October 2014|url-status = live}}

On 31 January 2013, clashes broke out between Yemeni Army units and suspected militants in al-Maraksha, Abyan Governorate. By 2 February the government forces had successfully pushed the insurgents out of the town, killing 12 of them. At least 5 Yemeni soldiers and local militia members were also killed during the fighting. According to local sources, the militants moved to East Anwar, about 80 km from the regional capital Zinjibar.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/yemini-military-town-seized-al-qaida-194127875.html|title=Yemeni military: Town seized from al-Qaeda (Yahoo! News via Reuters)|date=2 February 2013|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017113813/http://news.yahoo.com/yemini-military-town-seized-al-qaida-194127875.html|archive-date=17 October 2014|url-status = live}}

{{main|Fall of Zinjibar and Jaar}}

Al-Qaeda's fighters stormed Jaar and Zinjibar in early December 2015 and recaptured the towns,{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/aqap-houthis-saudis-yemens-multifaction-civil-war/a-18902707|title=AQAP, Houthis, Saudis: Yemen′s multifaction civil war - World - DW.COM - 08.12.2015|publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311043854/http://www.dw.com/en/aqap-houthis-saudis-yemens-multifaction-civil-war/a-18902707|archive-date=11 March 2016|url-status = live}} later declaring them "Emirates", providing civilian services, and establishing a Sharia court. In summer 2016 Yemeni government forces backed by Arab coalition aircraft and gunboats moved to retake the towns, and despite encountering "repeated suicide attacks" drove AQAP out of Zinjibar on 14 August 2016.{{cite news|title=Yemen: Government Forces Retake Zinjibar From Al Qaeda Militants|url=https://www.stratfor.com/situation-report/yemen-government-forces-retake-zinjibar-al-qaeda-militants|accessdate=12 October 2016|agency=Stratfor|date=14 August 2016}}

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Category:Conflicts in 2012

Category:Battles involving Yemen

Category:2012 in Yemen

2012 offensive

Category:May 2012 in Asia

Category:June 2012 in Asia

Category:Battles in 2012