Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen#Second Battle of Lawdar

{{Main|Terrorism in Yemen}}

Prior to hostilities, Yemen had already come under pressure to act against al-Qaeda, since attacks on its two main allies, Saudi Arabia and the United States, were primarily conducted by militants based in Yemen.

Al-Qaeda had also had a long history of operation in Yemen. The bin Laden family originated from Hadhramaut and so Osama bin Laden felt a strong attachment to the country. Bin Laden recruited many volunteers to the Soviet–Afghan War from North Yemen.{{Cite web|title=AQAP in South Yemen: Past and Present|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/aqap-south-yemen-past-and-present|access-date=2021-06-14|website=The Washington Institute|language=en|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614202442/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/aqap-south-yemen-past-and-present|url-status=live}} After the war he made an offer to send al-Qaeda to overthrow the Communist government of South Yemen but Prince Turki bin Faisal turned him down. Bin Laden was upset when Saudi Arabia and the United States soon afterwards accepted a Yemeni unification agreement in which the Yemen Socialist Party leaders would continue to serve in the government. He responded by committing assassinations of YSP leaders which destabilized the country. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh complained to King Fahd about al-Qaeda's operations, and Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz rebuked bin Laden and confiscated his Saudi passport.{{Cite book|last=Wright|first=Lawrence|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/64592193|title=The looming tower : Al-Qaeda and the road to 9/11|publisher=Alfred A. Knopf|year=2006|isbn=978-0-375-41486-2|edition=1|location=New York|pages=173–176|oclc=64592193|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=7 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107095656/https://www.worldcat.org/title/64592193|url-status=live}} In the 1990s North Yemeni Soviet-Afghan War veterans formed the al-Qaeda-aligned Aden-Abyan Islamic Army.{{Cite web|title=Aden-Abyan Islamic Army {{!}} militant organization|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aden-Abyan-Islamic-Army|access-date=2021-06-14|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928024457/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aden-Abyan-Islamic-Army|url-status=live}}

Previous attacks linked to al-Qaeda in Yemen include the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, the 2008 American Embassy attack, and several other attacks against foreign tourists.

Yemen had intensified operations against al-Qaeda in late 2009, when a Yemen-based wing of the group claimed to be behind the failed 25 December 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner, itself a retaliation against an attack against a training camp in Abyan on 17 December, resulting in the deaths of multiple civilians.{{Cite news|author=Hugh MacLeod and Nasser Arrabyee|title=Yemeni air attacks on al-Qaida fighters risk mobilising hostile tribes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida|location=London|work=The Guardian|date=3 January 2010|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201231225/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida|archive-date=1 December 2016|url-status=live}} News reports have indicated substantial American involvement in support of Yemeni operations against al-Qaeda since late 2009, including training, intelligence sharing, "several dozen troops" from the Joint Special Operations Command, and limited direct involvement in counter-terrorism operations.{{Cite news |first=Dana |last=Priest |title=U.S. military teams, intelligence deeply involved in aiding Yemen on strikes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012604239.html |newspaper=The Washington Post|date=27 January 2010 |access-date=27 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820231758/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012604239.html |archive-date=20 August 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/yemen-images-missile-and-cluster-munitions-point-us-role-fatal-attack-2010-06-04|title=Images of missile and cluster munitions point to US role in fatal attack in Yemen|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217070120/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/yemen-images-missile-and-cluster-munitions-point-us-role-fatal-attack-2010-06-04|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Timeline of the Yemeni crisis (2011–present)}}

On 15 March, 4 South Korean tourists were killed in Shibam, Hadhramaut by a suicide bomber.{{Cite web |last=Faraj |first=Caroline |date=2009-03-16 |title=Al Qaeda blamed for Yemen attack |url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/03/16/yemen.bombing.alqaeda/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317033410/https://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/03/16/yemen.bombing.alqaeda/index.html |archive-date=2009-03-17 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN}} The Yemeni government blamed AQAP for the attack, as well as one on a South Korean delegation on 18 March that killed only the perpetrator.{{Cite news |date=2009-03-18 |title=Fresh attack on Koreans in Yemen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7949961.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319011722/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7949961.stm |archive-date=2009-03-19 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}

{{Main|Al-Majalah camp attack}}

On 17 December, the U.S. carried out air raids on what officials suspected was an AQAP training camp in al-Majalah, a village in Abyan governorate.{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Brian |last2=Esposito |first2=Richard |last3=Cole |first3=Matthew |last4=Martinez |first4=Luis |last5=Radia |first5=Kirit |date=2009-12-18 |title=Obama Ordered U.S. Military Strike on Yemen Terrorists |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cruise-missiles-strike-yemen/story?id=9375236 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522101214/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cruise-missiles-strike-yemen/story?id=9375236 |archive-date=2019-05-22 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=ABC News |location=New York}} The attacks reportedly killed 50 people, including women and children, and injured 60 more according to locals.{{Cite news |author=Hugh MacLeod and Nasser Arrabyee |date=3 January 2010 |title=Yemeni air attacks on al-Qaida fighters risk mobilising hostile tribes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201231225/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=13 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |location=London}} Yemeni and U.S. officials both distanced themselves from the attack in the aftermath. A Yemeni inquiry into the raid uncovered that the attacks ultimately killed 55 people; 14 AQAP fighters and 41 civilians.{{cite news |last1=Filkins |first1=Dexter |date=2013-02-06 |title=What We Don't Know About Drones |url=http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/what-we-dont-know-about-drones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712120639/https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/what-we-dont-know-about-drones |archive-date=2024-07-12 |access-date=2024-10-09 |agency=The New Yorker}}

On 24 December, a U.S. airstrike in Shabwah governorate reportedly killed over 30 AQAP members.{{Cite news |date=2009-12-24 |title=Dozens killed in Yemen air strike on al-Qaeda suspects |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8429370.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928045513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8429370.stm |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-10-09 |language=en-GB}}

On 6 January, Yemeni forces arrest three AQAP members in Sana'a who were wounded in a raid carried out two days before.{{Cite news |date=6 January 2010 |title=Yemen 'arrests al-Qaeda suspects' wounded in raid |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8443078.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308174434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8443078.stm |archive-date=8 March 2020 |access-date=3 March 2010 |work=BBC News}}

On 13 January, Yemeni security forces battled AQAP in Habban district, Shabwah governorate. Yemeni forces had surrounded the residence of AQAP cell leader Abdullah Mehdar, leading to clashes within the district. AQAP fighters ambushed an army unit travelling on a nearby road in order to divert attention from Medhar, killing 2 soldiers. Medhar was eventually killed in the battle, while 4 AQAP members were arrested.{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Sudarsan |date=2010-01-14 |title=Yemeni forces kill al-Qaeda leader |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/01/14/yemeni-forces-kill-alqaeda-leader/0819c6a7-01fd-4392-acb9-db28bfee83ac/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926233306/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/01/14/yemeni-forces-kill-alqaeda-leader/0819c6a7-01fd-4392-acb9-db28bfee83ac/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-26 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

On 14 January, Yemeni airstrikes targeted AQAP vehicles travelling between Saada and al-Jawf governorate, reportedly killing 6 senior leaders.{{cite web |date=2010-01-16 |title=Yemeni al-Qaeda suspects 'killed' |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/01/2010115141954305381.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121043807/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/01/2010115141954305381.html |archive-date=2010-01-21 |access-date=2010-03-03 |publisher=Al Jazeera}} AQAP later denied any of their deaths.{{Cite web |date=2010-01-16 |title=Al-Qaeda denies Yemen death claims |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2010/1/18/al-qaeda-denies-yemen-death-claims |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009195157/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2010/1/18/al-qaeda-denies-yemen-death-claims |archive-date=2024-10-09 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 8 February, AQAP deputy leader Said Ali al-Shihri called for a regional holy war and blockade of the Red Sea to prevent shipments to Israel. In an audiotape announcement he called upon Somali militant group al-Shabaab for assistance in the blockade.{{Cite news |date=9 February 2010 |title=Yemen: Qaeda Affiliate Urges Joint Blockade of Red Seas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/world/middleeast/09briefs-Yemen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211055427/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/world/middleeast/09briefs-Yemen.html |archive-date=11 February 2010 |access-date=9 February 2010 |newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York}}

On 26 April, an AQAP suicide bomber attempted to assassinate the UK ambassador to Yemen, Timothy Torlot, in Sana'a. Torlot was unhurt, but 3 others were injured in the attack.{{Cite news |last=Black |first=Ian |date=2010-04-26 |title=UK ambassador in Yemen escapes assassination attempt |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/26/uk-ambassador-yemen-assassination-attempt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120103356/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/26/british-ambassador-suicide-bomb-yemen |archive-date=2023-11-20 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} AQAP attempted again to kill a British diplomat, Fionna Gibb, in Sana'a on 6 October. An AQAP member fired a rocket-propelled grenade at her vehicle, injuring an embassy worker and 3 bystanders. Gibb was unharmed.{{Cite news |last=Weaver |first=Matthew |date=2010-10-06 |title=Britain's deputy ambassador to Yemen survives rocket attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/06/yemen-middleeast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715185706/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/06/yemen-middleeast |archive-date=2023-07-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

{{Main|First Battle of Lawdar}}

The Yemeni government launched an offensive on 19 August to secure the town of Lawdar, Abyan, which was an AQAP stronghold. The government announced on 25 August that they recaptured the town, reportedly killing 12 to 19 AQAP fighters and losing 11 soldiers.{{Cite web |last=al-Haidari |first=Fawaz |date=2010-08-25 |title=Yemen army 'regains control' of southern town |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jaSuALY9MdZ5WSyhaw8CmEBh4DTw |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301185854/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jaSuALY9MdZ5WSyhaw8CmEBh4DTw |archive-date=2014-03-01 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=AFP}} [https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jaSuALY9MdZ5WSyhaw8CmEBh4DTw Alt URL]

{{Infobox military conflict

| conflict = Battle of Huta

| image =

| caption =

| date = 20–24 September 2010

| place = Huta (Shabwa){{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11380625 | work=BBC News | title=Up to 15,000 flee offensive in Yemen's Shabwa province | date=21 September 2010 | access-date=21 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128234019/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11380625 | archive-date=28 November 2016 |url-status=live}}

| casus = The Yemeni armed forces regain control of Lawdar

| territory = Yemen regains the town

| status = Yemeni victory

| combatant1 = {{flag|Yemen}}

| combatant2 = {{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

| commander1 =

| commander2 =

| strength1 =

| strength2 = 300

| casualties1 = ~4 killed, 9 wounded

| casualties2 = 5 killed, 5 wounded, 32 captured{{cite web |url=http://french.cri.cn/621/2010/09/27/261s228818.htm |title=Le Yémen affirme avoir tué 5 combattants d'Al-Qaïda et arrêté 32 autres lors d'une opération contre le groupe terroriste - china radio international |publisher=French.cri.cn |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708090624/http://french.cri.cn/621/2010/09/27/261s228818.htm |archive-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=live}}

| casualties3 = 15,000 Yemeni civilians flee, at least 3 wounded

}}

On 20 September, the Yemeni government ensigned the town of Huta, Shabwah, where 80 to 100 AQAP militants were reportedly in control. In the initial assault, 3 AQAP members and 2 soldiers were reported to have been killed.{{Cite news |date=2010-09-20 |title=Thousands flee fighting in Yemen's Shabwa province |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-11375786 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627065544/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-11375786 |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 22 September, 4 people were killed with another 3 injured during clashes in the town. The same day, Yemeni forces detained more than 20 gunmen presumed to be members of AQAP. The Yemeni government ended the siege on 24 September, with 5 AQAP members killed and 32 detained in total.{{Cite web |date=2010-09-26 |title=FACTBOX-Security developments in Yemen |url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006061046/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm |archive-date=2010-10-06 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Reuters}} [http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm Alt URL]

On 24 November 2010, an AQAP suicide bomber attacked a Houthi convoy celebrating the day of Ghadir in al-Matun district, al-Jawf, killing 17 people and injuring 30 others. On 26 November, AQAP bombed a convoy in Sahar district, Saada, heading to the funeral of Badreddin al-Houthi, killing one person and injuring eight.{{Cite web |date=2010-11-29 |title=اليمن: القاعدة تتبنى تفجيرين انتحاريين ضد الشيعة |trans-title=Yemen: Al-Qaeda claims responsibility for two suicide bombings against Shiites |url=https://www.bbc.com/arabic/middleeast/2010/11/101129_yemen_quaeda |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=BBC News Arabic |language=ar}}

On 7 January, 12 soldiers were killed in an AQAP ambush in Lawdar, Abyan. The next day, AQAP fighters attacked a military checkpoint in Lahij governorate, killing 4 soldiers.{{cite news |date=8 January 2011 |title=Four Yemeni soldiers killed in southern attack |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7070JA20110108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122125104/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7070JA20110108 |archive-date=22 January 2011 |access-date=30 June 2017 |work=Reuters}}

On 6 March, AQAP claimed responsibility for two attacks which killed 5 Yemeni soldiers altogether. 4 soldiers, part of the Republican Guard, were killed in an ambush on a convoy in Marib governorate, while an army colonel was shot and killed in Zinjibar, Abyan.{{cite news |date=2011-03-06 |title=Yemeni Soldiers Killed in Attacks |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113685346945172.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405190533/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113685346945172.html |archive-date=5 April 2011 |access-date=2024-09-15 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}

AQAP took advantage of the chaos caused by the Yemeni revolution to seize significant territory in the southern Abyan governorate. On 28 March, AQAP seized the town of Jaʽār, Abyan after army forces withdrew from the city after clashing with the militants over the weekend.{{Cite news |last=Finn |first=Tom |date=2011-03-28 |title=Yemen munitions factory explosion leaves over 120 dead |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/28/yemen-arab-and-middle-east-protests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910100701/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/28/yemen-arab-and-middle-east-protests |archive-date=2021-09-10 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The next day, a massive explosion in a weapons factory near the town killed 150 people.{{Cite news |date=2011-03-29 |title=Yemeni arms factory blast toll rises amid protests |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12902310 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331132038/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12902310 |archive-date=2011-03-31 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 25 March, 3 AQAP militants were killed by security forces in Lawdar. On 26 March, 5 AQAP fighters died after attacking a military checkpoint in Lawdar.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-26 |title=Five suspected al Qaeda militants killed in Yemen |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/26/idINIndia-55899620110326?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908074406/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-55899620110326?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |archive-date=2019-09-08 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Reuters}} On 31 March, AQAP declared an "Islamic Emirate" in Abyan, reportedly seizing most of the governorate by the time of their announcement.{{Cite web |last=Wyler |first=Grace |date=2011-03-31 |title=Al Qaeda Declares Southern Yemeni Province An "Islamic Emirate" |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/al-qaeda-declares-southern-yemeni-province-an-islamic-emirate-2011-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401192712/https://www.businessinsider.com/al-qaeda-declares-southern-yemeni-province-an-islamic-emirate-2011-3 |archive-date=2011-04-01 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

On 13 May, an AQAP ambush on a Yemeni army convoy in Marib left at least 5 soldiers dead. The attacker had fired an RPG at the convoy.{{Cite web |date=2011-05-13 |title=Soldiers killed in suspected al Qaeda ambush |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20110513-yemen-soldiers-killed-suspected-al-qaeda-ambush-osama-bin-laden-aqap-saleh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517083356/https://www.france24.com/en/20110513-yemen-soldiers-killed-suspected-al-qaeda-ambush-osama-bin-laden-aqap-saleh |archive-date=2011-05-17 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

{{Main|Battle of Zinjibar}}

On 27 May, Ansar al-Sharia, an organization commonly understood to be an affiliate or direct extension of AQAP, captured the capital of Abyan governorate, Zinjibar. More than 200 militants seized the town, killing 16 soldiers and freeing dozens of prisoners.{{Cite web |date=2011-05-29 |title=Suspected al Qaeda militants seize Yemeni town |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20110529-suspected-al-qaeda-militants-seize-yemeni-town-zinjibar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627064040/https://www.france24.com/en/20110529-suspected-al-qaeda-militants-seize-yemeni-town-zinjibar |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=France 24 |language=en}} Ansar al-Sharia entrenched itself into the city in the following days, repelling attempts by the military to enter the city on 31 May{{Cite web |last1=Sudam |first1=Mohamed |last2=Ghobari |first2=Mohammed |date=2011-05-31 |title=Yemen truce ends in blasts, stokes civil war worries |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/31/us-yemen-idUSTRE73L1PP20110531 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410235618/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/31/us-yemen-idUSTRE73L1PP20110531 |archive-date=2012-04-10 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Reuters}} and on 7 June,{{Cite web |date=2011-06-07 |title=15 killed in army, Qaeda clashes in Yemen |url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/24366cf0-e3a2-4c2b-801a-0fc76f5e69b3.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320224601/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/24366cf0-e3a2-4c2b-801a-0fc76f5e69b3.aspx |archive-date=2012-03-20 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Gulf Today}} [http://gulftoday.ae/portal/24366cf0-e3a2-4c2b-801a-0fc76f5e69b3.aspx Alt URL] and forcing 2 brigades to retreat on 21 June.{{Cite web |date=2011-06-21 |title=Battle for Zinjibar kills 100 Yemen troops: army |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g7paTirUFQiLAxeYtWx7Wo3KGJrQ?docId=CNG.fe5d63e7d970e3fe80cdc08d68ede32e.631 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615221202/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g7paTirUFQiLAxeYtWx7Wo3KGJrQ?docId=CNG.fe5d63e7d970e3fe80cdc08d68ede32e.631 |archive-date=2012-06-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=AFP}} [http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g7paTirUFQiLAxeYtWx7Wo3KGJrQ?docId=CNG.fe5d63e7d970e3fe80cdc08d68ede32e.631 Alt URL] Multiple tribes changed their allegiance from the militants to the military as fighting raged on in Abyan and more civilians were displaced. The Yemeni army along with allied tribes launched an offensive on July 17 attacking the city from the west. On 22 July, the army established control over a sports stadium near Zinjibar and waged fighting near the entrance of the city, while allied tribes secured a main highway leading to the city.{{Cite web |last=McGregor |first=Andrew |date=2011-08-11 |title=The Battle for Zinjibar: The Tribes of Yemen's Abyan Governorate Join the Fight against Islamist Militancy |url=https://jamestown.org/program/the-battle-for-zinjibar-the-tribes-of-yemens-abyan-governorate-join-the-fight-against-islamist-militancy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212073018/https://jamestown.org/program/the-battle-for-zinjibar-the-tribes-of-yemens-abyan-governorate-join-the-fight-against-islamist-militancy/ |archive-date=2021-02-12 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2011-07-22 |title=Yemen - Jul 22, 2011 - 12:32 |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/yemen-jul-22-2011-1232 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108015627/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/yemen-jul-22-2011-1232 |archive-date=2012-01-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera Blogs}} [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/yemen-jul-22-2011-1232 Alt URL]{{Cite web |date=2011-07-22 |title=Yemen - Jul 22, 2011 - 14:35 |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/yemen-jul-22-2011-1435 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110002131/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/yemen-jul-22-2011-1435 |archive-date=2012-01-10 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera Blogs}} Though the city was declared to be retaken by the government on 10 September, the government only controlled the eastern portion while Ansar al-Sharia still controlled the west. A deal was reached on 12 January 2012 to allow residents to return.{{Cite web |date=2011-09-09 |title=Yemen Regains Parts of Zinjibar from Militants |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-regains-parts-of-zinjibar-from-militants-129589308/145055.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623180634/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-regains-parts-of-zinjibar-from-militants-129589308/145055.html |archive-date=2017-06-23 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2012-01-14 |title=Residents back in Yemen city after months of fighting |url=http://www.trust.org/item/?map=residents-back-in-yemen-city-after-months-of-fighting/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013035250/http://www.trust.org/item/?map=residents-back-in-yemen-city-after-months-of-fighting/ |archive-date=2015-10-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=AlertNet}} [http://www.trust.org/item/?map=residents-back-in-yemen-city-after-months-of-fighting/ Alt URL]

A prison break in Mukalla occurred in mid-June, freeing 63 AQAP prisoners and killing a guard. The prison was attacked by militants with artillery, allowing the inmates to escape through a 35-metre long tunnel.{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2011-06-26 |title=Report: Two confess to helping al Qaeda inmates escape in Yemen |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/06/26/yemen.prison.break/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708041223/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-26/world/yemen.prison.break_1_qaeda-christopher-boucek-abyan-province?_s=PM:WORLD |archive-date=2011-07-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 10 August, AQAP seized the port town of Shuqrah, Abyan, quickly driving out local tribesman with a group of no more than 50 militants. The group had also seized government equipment and artillery.{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2011-08-11 |title=Al Qaeda seizes town in southern Yemen, residents say |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/18/yemen.militants/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818164827/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/18/yemen.militants/index.html |archive-date=2011-08-18 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 30 September, American-Yemeni cleric and alleged AQAP member Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in a U.S. drone strike in the town of Khashef, al-Jawf governorate, while travelling in a vehicle.{{Cite web |date=2011-09-30 |title=Awlaki killed in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/9/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623055701/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/9/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-06-23 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Awlaki was previously the target of a drone strike on 5 May, though he evaded the attack which instead killed 2 AQAP members in their car.{{Cite web |date=2011-05-06 |title=US drone misses American-born terror boss in Yemen |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42937747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209072345/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42937747 |archive-date=2023-02-09 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=NBC News |language=en}} The U.S. government placed Awlaki on a CIA kill list and froze his assets a year before, accusing him of inciting and directing multiple terror plots in the United States, including the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253.{{Cite web |last=Shane |first=Scott |date=2010-04-06 |title=U.S. Approves Targeted Killing of American Cleric |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html?hp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608062657/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html?hp |archive-date=2024-06-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=The New York Times}} The attack had also killed Samir Khan, an American citizen from Saudi Arabia who, along with Awlaki, was an editor and publisher of AQAP's magazine, Inspire.{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Paul |last2=Chulov |first2=Martin |date=2011-09-30 |title=Anwar al-Awlaki, al-Qaida cleric and top US target, killed in Yemen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228020658/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-yemen |archive-date=2024-02-28 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 12 December a prison break in Aden freed up to 15 AQAP members. The prisoners had escaped via a 40-metre long tunnel.{{Cite web |date=2011-12-12 |title=Several al Qaeda militants escape Yemeni prison |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/several-al-qaeda-militants-escape-yemeni-prison-1.739201?cache=/feed/?clipId=89680 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915023301/https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/several-al-qaeda-militants-escape-yemeni-prison-1.739201?cache=/feed/?clipId=89680 |archive-date=2024-09-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CTV News |language=en}}

On 16 January, AQAP seized the town of Rada'a, Al-Bayda, just 100 miles south of Sana'a. A group of 200 fighters had stormed the town, freed at least 150 prisoners, killed 2 soldiers in clashes with the army and secured multiple weapons caches and military vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2012-01-16 |title=Al Qaeda militants seize town south of Yemeni capital |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/al-qaeda-militants-seize-town-south-of-yemeni-capital-1.754302 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707164624/https://www.ctvnews.ca/al-qaeda-militants-seize-town-south-of-yemeni-capital-1.754302 |archive-date=2012-07-07 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CTV News |language=en}} With mounting tribal pressure, the group withdrew from Rada'a on 25 January after they reached an agreement with the government to release 15 of their fighters.{{Cite web |date=2012-01-25 |title=Al-Qaeda-linked fighters leave Yemeni town |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/1/25/al-qaeda-linked-fighters-leave-yemeni-town |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126180014/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/1/25/al-qaeda-linked-fighters-leave-yemeni-town |archive-date=2021-01-26 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}File:Yemen division 2011-10-23.svg

{{Main|Battle of Dofas}}

On 4 March, Ansar al-Sharia launched an attack on military artillery units in Dofas, a town located on the outskirts of Zinjibar. Fighters had attacked the base from the east to draw a response from the army before launching a larger attack from the west.{{Cite web |last1=Jamjoom |first1=Mohammed |last2=Almasmari |first2=Hakim |date=2012-03-06 |title=Huge death toll doubles in Yemen 'slaughter' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/06/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306215759/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/06/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |archive-date=2012-03-06 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN |language=en}} The battle killed 187 soldiers and injured at least 135, with the militants seizing weapons, heavy artillery and tanks from the military.{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2012-03-07 |title=AQAP claims responsibility for Yemen attacks |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/07/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308173723/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/07/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |archive-date=2012-03-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 13 March an AQAP suicide bombing near al-Bayda that killed four soldiers and left four others critically injured.{{cite web|publisher=Thomson Reuters Foundation |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-four-yemeni-soldiers/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113092903/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-four-yemeni-soldiers/ |url-status=dead|archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=Suicide bomber kills four Yemeni soldiers |website=Trust.org |date=13 March 2012 |access-date=17 November 2013}} After this attack militants posted a video in which they announced the capture of yet another soldier, bringing the total number of prisoners they hold to 74. They demanded an agreement to free imprisoned insurgents in exchange for the soldiers.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

On 31 March, a large group of AQAP fighters attacked an army checkpoint in Lahij governorate during the night, sparking a battle that left 20 soldiers and 4 insurgents dead. The attackers fled with heavy weapons and at least two tanks. Government forces later called in airstrikes that successfully destroyed one of the captured tanks, killing its three occupants.{{cite web |date=31 March 2012 |title=Qaeda-linked militants kill at least 20 Yemeni soldiers |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/qaeda-linked-militants-kill-at-least-20-yemeni-soldiers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915090745/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/qaeda-linked-militants-kill-at-least-20-yemeni-soldiers/ |archive-date=15 September 2012 |access-date=17 November 2013 |website=Trust.org |publisher=Thomson Reuters Foundation}}File:Yemen division 2012-3-11.svg

{{Infobox military conflict

|conflict=Second Battle of Lawdar

|image=

|caption=

|date= 9 April – 16 May 2012

|place= Lawdar (Abyan Governorate)

|casus=

|territory=

|status= Yemeni victory

• AQAP and Ansar Al Sharia driven away from Lawdar.

|combatant1= {{Flag|Yemen}}

• Republic of Yemen Armed Forces
• Tribal fighters

|combatant2={{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Ansar al-Sharia

|commander1= Pres. Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi
Brig. Gen. Muhammad Nasir Ahmad Ali
Saleh al-Ahmar

|commander2=Nasir al-Wuhayshi

|strength1= Unknown

|strength2= Al-Qaeda : 500–600
Ansar al-Sharia : unknown

|casualties1= 33 soldiers and 60 tribal fighters killed, 580 fighters wounded overall{{Cite web|url=http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/usatoday/article/55192744?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp|title=Resistance battles al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Yemen}} {{dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

|casualties2= 249 killed

|casualties3= 32 civilians and tribal militia members killed{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/12-militants-killed-in-yemen-battle-official-says/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913183021/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/12-militants-killed-in-yemen-battle-official-says/ |url-status=dead|archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=12 militants killed in Yemen battle, official says |agency=Trust.org via AP |date=30 April 2012 |access-date=1 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bomb-kills-3-children-in-yemen-defence-ministry/ |title=Bomb kills 3 children in Yemen - defence ministry |website=Trust.org |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=15 April 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512212822/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bomb-kills-3-children-in-yemen-defence-ministry |archive-date=12 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ilYIOl0E2e6XrAGw4tsB7JY-cQoA?docId=CNG.0aed8735d1342bd2d8ddc08ead1bdb9b.5e1|title=222 'killed in five days' in Yemen|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=14 April 2012|access-date=14 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417164233/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ilYIOl0E2e6XrAGw4tsB7JY-cQoA?docId=CNG.0aed8735d1342bd2d8ddc08ead1bdb9b.5e1|archive-date=17 April 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/south-yemen-violence-kills-2-children-6-militants/|title=South Yemen violence kills 2 children, 6 militants|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=18 April 2012|access-date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419094206/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/18/south-yemen-violence-kills-2-children-6-militants/|archive-date=19 April 2012|url-status=live}}

}}

On 9 April, a large group of AQAP militants attacked a military base near the city of Lawdar, briefly overrunning it before locals joined the military to push them out. At least 94 people were killed in that initial attack, including six civilians, 74 AQAP fighters, and 14 soldiers. This was the third such assault in recent weeks, after two similar attacks in March left at least 130 soldiers dead and more than 70 as prisoners of al-Qaeda affiliated groups.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-04-09/yemen-lawder-qaeda/54127340/1|title=Yemen: 44 killed in clashes with al-Qaeda fighters|work=USA Today|date=9 April 2012|access-date=9 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409235647/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-04-09/yemen-lawder-qaeda/54127340/1|archive-date=9 April 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2012/April/middleeast_April155.xml§ion=middleeast|title=133 killed in Qaeda violence in Yemen|publisher=Khaleej Times via AFP|date=10 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410204124/http://khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data%2Fmiddleeast%2F2012%2FApril%2Fmiddleeast_April155.xml§ion=middleeast|archive-date=10 April 2012|url-status=live}}

Government sources raised the casualty figures on 10 April to 124 deaths; 102 militants, 14 soldiers, and at least eight civilians. Local tribal sources confirmed the toll, adding that among the dead insurgents there were at least 12 Somalis and several Saudis. Reinforcements were being brought into the area as airstrikes began attacking AQAP positions near Lawdar and on the main road towards Zinjibar. At least 51 deaths were recorded on 11 April, raising the total death toll to over 200.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120413-toll-hits-200-battle-with-qaeda-yemen-town |title=Toll hits 200 in battle with Qaeda for Yemen town |publisher=France 24 |date=12 April 2012 |access-date=13 April 2012 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413234524/http://www.france24.com/en/20120413-toll-hits-200-battle-with-qaeda-yemen-town |archive-date=13 April 2012 }} These included 42 militants, six soldiers and three local militia members. The government reportedly sent an elite anti-terrorism squad to help in defeating the militants.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/12/world/africa/yemen-militants-clashes/index.html|title=Toll hits 200 in battle with Qaeda for Yemen town|publisher=CNN|date=12 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413073514/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/12/world/africa/yemen-militants-clashes/index.html|archive-date=13 April 2012|url-status=live}}

By 13 April the battle was still raging around the city with clashes spreading to nearby Mudiyah, the only other town apart from Lawdar that AQAP did not control in Abyan. Mortar shelling was reported for the second consecutive day by local citizens, with at least 17 civilians injured and the main power station reportedly on fire.{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/toll-hits-185-in-south-yemen-battle-with-al-qaeda |title=Toll hits 185 in south Yemen battle with Al Qaeda |publisher=The Jordan Times via AFP |date=12 April 2012 |access-date=13 April 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412210636/http://jordantimes.com/toll-hits-185-in-south-yemen-battle-with-al-qaeda |archive-date=12 April 2012}} After the government sent an additional 200 soldiers, AQAP pulled out of the city and towards the nearby villages of Um Sorra and Wadhia, leaving a few snipers behind. The official death toll by the end of the day stood at 37, including 31 militants, five members of a tribal civilian militia, and a child that was shot by an unidentified sniper. Authorities reported the city to be relatively quiet on April 14, with only sporadic gunfire breaking the silence. On 15 April, a suicide bomber killed two tribal militia members at a checkpoint in al-Hodn, just outside Lawdar. Six militants and two locals were killed in other clashes around the town, specifically in an area called al-Minyasa.

Fighting resumed on 18 April 2012, with AQAP shelling the city and government forces ordering airstrikes in retaliation. Two children were killed and at least five houses were destroyed during the mortar attacks, while six militants were confirmed dead in the airstrikes.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-air-strike-kills-six-militants-government-says/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913082108/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-air-strike-kills-six-militants-government-says/ |url-status=dead|archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=Yemen air strike kills six militants, government says |website=Trust.org |date=18 April 2012 |access-date=18 April 2012}} The previous day a suicide car bomber had attacked an army checkpoint on the outskirts of Lawdar, killing five Yemeni soldiers and injuring four more.{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/04/17/2743s693880.htm|title=5 Yemeni Soldiers Killed in Suicide Car Bombing Attack|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=17 April 2012|access-date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708090452/http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/04/17/2743s693880.htm|archive-date=8 July 2015|url-status=dead}} On 19 April at least 7 AQAP fighters were killed in clashes with an army unit based in Lawdar.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nguoi-viet.com/absolutenm2/templates/viewarticlesNVO.aspx?articleid=147614&zoneid=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602055938/http://www.nguoi-viet.com/absolutenm2/templates/viewarticlesNVO.aspx?articleid=147614&zoneid=5|url-status=dead|title=25 tay súng al-Qaeda bị giết tại Yemen|archive-date=2 June 2013}} On 21 April, Yemeni airplanes bombed AQAP positions in the nearby Yasouf and al-Minyasa mountains, killing at least 13 militants.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-air-strikes-kill-13-qaeda-linked-militants/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913155022/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-air-strikes-kill-13-qaeda-linked-militants/ |url-status = dead|archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=Yemen air strikes kill 13 Qaeda-linked militants |website=Trust.org |date=22 April 2012 |access-date=23 April 2012}} On 23 April, 15 AQAP fighters were killed in an ambush on their convoy.{{cite news|url=http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/04/26/3123s695598.htm|title=6 Al-Qaida Militants Killed in Ambush in Southern Yemen|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=26 April 2012|access-date=26 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708090548/http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/04/26/3123s695598.htm|archive-date=8 July 2015|url-status = dead}} The same day, airstrikes targeting a vehicle and two hideouts near Lawdar killed 15 suspected AQAP members. On 25 April at least six AQAP militants were killed after their convoy was ambushed by local militia members. Fighting around the city on 30 April killed 12 AQAP militants, a soldier and a tribal militia member. By 16 May, Yemeni troops backed pro-government tribal militias captured the Yasouf mountain, a strategic force above the city, after heavy fighting.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-army-advances-on-militants-fighting-heavy/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113115347/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-army-advances-on-militants-fighting-heavy/ |url-status = dead|archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=Yemen army advances on militants, fighting heavy |website=Trust.org |agency=Reuters |date=16 May 2012 |access-date=15 June 2012 }} After doing so, it was announced that the militants had fled Lawder.{{cite web|url=http://www.yemenfox.net/news_details.php?sid=3018|title=Military units advance on militants in Abyan|publisher=Yemen Fox|date=17 May 2012|access-date=15 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604200545/http://www.yemenfox.net/news_details.php?sid=3018|archive-date=4 June 2015|url-status = live}}

On 14 April, AQAP fighters attacked a security checkpoint near Aden, killing 5 soldiers and 8 militants.{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2012-04-14 |title=5 soldiers, 8 militants killed in Yemen checkpoint attack |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/14/world/meast/yemen-al-qaeda/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414180527/https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/14/world/meast/yemen-al-qaeda/index.html |archive-date=2012-04-14 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 19 April at least 6 AQAP militants and two Yemeni soldiers were killed in a shootout in Zinjibar.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-army-kills-13-islamists-in-south/ |title=Yemen army kills 13 Islamists in south |website=Trust.org |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=20 April 2012 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426155539/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-army-kills-13-islamists-in-south |archive-date=26 April 2012 }} On 23 April, clashes in Zinjibar killed three AQAP fighters.{{cite news |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-04-23 |title=Yemen air strikes foil Saudi hostage release: negotiator |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-yemen-kidnappers-idUSBRE83M17520120423 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425010139/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/23/us-saudi-yemen-kidnappers-idUSBRE83M17520120423 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |access-date=25 April 2012 |work=Reuters}}

On 24 April, a U.S. drone strike in Marib killed AQAP commander Mohammed Saeed al-Umda while he was travelling in a convoy.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-04-24 |title=Embassy: Top Yemeni militant killed in weekend airstrike |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/24/world/meast/yemen-militant-killed/index.html |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=CNN |language=en}}

{{Main|2012 Abyan offensive}}

The Yemeni government launched an offensive in Abyan on 11 May in order to drive out AQAP forces from key cities.{{Cite news |date=2012-05-21 |title='Al-Qaeda attack' on Yemen army parade causes carnage |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18142695 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108094846/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18142695 |archive-date=2016-01-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 14 May, heavy fighting occurred near Jaʽār which carried over into the next day, killing 8 AQAP fighters and a Yemeni soldier. On 15 May, airstrikes on vehicles in Jaʽār killed 7 supposed militants and three others in a house, with at least 44 people. including 30 militants being killed during the day.{{Cite web |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-idUSDEE84E0IQ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518111753/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/at-least-44-killed-in-offensive-on-yemen-militants |archive-date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Reuters}} Over 20 and 21 May, 33 AQAP fighters and 19 soldiers would be killed from clashes in Jaʽār. On 24 May, AQAP launched a counter-attack on the army in Jaʽār through the Wadi Bana. The attack resulted in the deaths of 35 of their fighters, bringing the total count to 215. Yemeni forces then proceeded to take control of Wadi Bana.{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703125910/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/5/24/yemeni-army-kills-35-fighters-in-the-south |archive-date=2022-07-03 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} By 3 June, Yemeni forces had pushed into central Zinjibar, while clashes were occurring near the western edge of Jaʽār.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-03 |title=Troops, insurgents battle in centre of southern Yemen city |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/troops-insurgents-battle-in-centre-of-southern-yemen-city-idUSL5E8H33RX/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Reuters}} On 11 June the Yemeni Air Force launched attacks on the north and west of Jaʽār, killing 16 militants, while land forces were preparing to capture a key hilltop factory overlooking the town.{{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=2024-09-15 |website=Fox News}} [https://www.foxnews.com/world/yemen-army-battles-al-qaida-says-28-killed Alt URL] On 12 June, both Zinjibar and Ja'an were confirmed as completely recaptured by the Yemeni government, with AQAP forces withdrawing to nearby Shuqrah.{{Cite web |last1=Besheer |first1=Margaret |last2=Lipin |first2=Michael |date=2012-06-12 |title=Yemeni Troops Recapture Southern Cities from al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni_troops_recapture_southern_town_from_al_qaida/1206277.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713174317/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni_troops_recapture_southern_town_from_al_qaida/1206277.html |archive-date=2017-07-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} On 15 June, army forces took control of Shuqrah after a battle which killed 40 militants. Shuqrah was constituted as AQAP's last major population centre in Abyan.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-15 |title=Yemen army seizes third city after Qaeda pullout |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/44968.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720063126/http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/44968.aspx |archive-date=2013-07-20 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Ahram Online}}{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-06-15 |title=Yemen army says seizes Qaeda bastion in major advance |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/15/us-yemen-violence-idUSBRE85E0AG20120615/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616175837/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/15/us-yemen-violence-idUSBRE85E0AG20120615/ |archive-date=2012-06-16 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Reuters}} On 23 June, with mounting military and tribal pressure, AQAP fled Azzan into neighboring provinces. With their retreat from Azzan, AQAP lost their last stronghold in the south.{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-06-25 |title=Yemen: Army takes new al-Qaida stronghold |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/yemen-army-takes-new-al-qaida-stronghold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917024340/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/yemen-army-takes-new-al-qaida-stronghold/ |archive-date=2024-09-17 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}} Mines placed by retreating AQAP forces lead to 73 civilian deaths in the liberated cities by 26 June.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-26 |title=Yemen: Al Qaeda land mines planted by fleeing militants kill 73 civilians |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-land-mines-planted-by-fleeing-militants-kill-73-civilians/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212041456/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-land-mines-planted-by-fleeing-militants-kill-73-civilians/ |archive-date=2017-02-12 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}

{{main|2012 Sana'a bombing}}

On 21 May, a soldier wearing a belt of explosives carried out a suicide attack on military personnel preparing for a parade rehearsal in Sana'a for Unity Day. The attack killed over 90 people and injured 200 more. Ansar al-Sharia claimed responsibility for the attack as a response to the government offensive in Abyan.{{cite web |date=21 May 2012 |title=Al-Qaeda claims deadly Yemen suicide blast |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/201252175919491219.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521170403/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/201252175919491219.html |archive-date=21 May 2012 |access-date=20 May 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}

On 18 June, an AQAP suicide bomber assassinated Yemeni general Salem Ali Qatan in Aden. Qatan had led the Abyan offensive which expelled AQAP forces from key cities in the governorate. The assassin detonated his explosive belt next to a vehicle transporting Qatan, killing him as well as 2 other soldiers, along with injuring 12.{{Cite web |date=2012-06-18 |title=Yemeni army commander killed in suicide blast |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/6/18/yemeni-army-commander-killed-in-suicide-blast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313030010/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/6/18/yemeni-army-commander-killed-in-suicide-blast |archive-date=2022-03-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 10 October, AQAP gunmen on a motorcycle shot and killed the U.S. embassy's head of security, Qassem Aqlan, while he was travelling in a vehicle in Sana'a.{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Iona |date=2012-10-11 |title=Yemen security officer at U.S. Embassy killed in Sanaa |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/10/11/yemen-security-chief-us-embassy/1626399/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011164903/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/10/11/yemen-security-chief-us-embassy/1626399/ |archive-date=2012-10-11 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}

On 8 December a suspected AQAP ambush in Marib governorate killed 8 soldiers, inducing a senior officer. On 9 December, government airstrikes on a farm in Marib reportedly killed 4 AQAP members.{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-12-09 |title=Yemen tribal officials: Attacks kill 4 militants |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-de4930eb74cf4c1bbc81c152c1943b56 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010022911/https://apnews.com/general-news-de4930eb74cf4c1bbc81c152c1943b56 |archive-date=2024-10-10 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=AP News |language=en}}

{{Main|Battle of Radda}}

On 27 April, AQAP fighters attacked a military checkpoint in Rada'a, killing 5 soldiers and suffering 2 deaths. The same day, AQAP gunmen on a motorcycle assassinated the intelligence chief of Mukalla.{{Cite web |date=2015-03-25 |title=5 soldiers, 2 al-Qaida militants killed in central Yemen, intelligence officer assassinated |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/5-soldiers-2-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-central-yemen-intelligence-officer-assassinated |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126213801/https://www.foxnews.com/world/5-soldiers-2-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-central-yemen-intelligence-officer-assassinated |archive-date=2022-01-26 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

On 25 May, an AQAP grenade attack on a checkpoint in Al-Shihr, Hadhramaut killed a police officer and a civilian, and wounded two others. The same day, the Yemeni Interior Ministry stated that AQAP had seized several villages in Hadhramaut, including Ghayl Ba Wazir, supposedly in a bid to establish an emirate in the governorate.{{cite web |date=26 May 2013 |title=AQAP takes control of villages in eastern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/aqap_takes_control_of_villages.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928055826/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/aqap_takes_control_of_villages.php |archive-date=28 September 2017 |access-date=27 September 2017 |work=Long War Journal}}{{Cite web |date=2013-05-25 |title='Al-Qaeda' gunmen kill two in Yemen attack |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2013/05/25/-Al-Qaeda-gunmen-kill-two-in-Yemen-attack- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610235501/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2013/05/25/-Al-Qaeda-gunmen-kill-two-in-Yemen-attack- |archive-date=2024-06-10 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Al Arabiya}}

On 17 July, deputy leader of AQAP Said al-Shihri was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Saada governorate. He was speaking on his cellphone when the attack took place. Shihri had previously been declared "dead" by the Yemeni government on 10 September and on 24 January, though this was dispoven in both instances.{{Cite web |date=2012-10-22 |title=Al-Qaeda's No. 2 in Yemen says he's alive in audio |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/10/22/qaeda-yemen-terrorism-drone/1648873/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023062442/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/10/22/qaeda-yemen-terrorism-drone/1648873/ |archive-date=2012-10-23 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Hasni |first=Mohammad |date=2013-04-10 |title='Dead' Qaeda leader Shehri delivers audio message: SITE |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/dead-qaeda-leader-shehri-delivers-audio-message-083424151.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915215721/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/dead-qaeda-leader-shehri-delivers-audio-message-083424151.html |archive-date=2024-09-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG}} In this case, an AQAP message officially announced that he had died.{{Cite web |last=Jacinto |first=Leela |date=2013-07-17 |title=Al Qaeda confirms death of deputy chief in Yemen |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20130717-al-qaeda-yemen-aqap-confirms-death-us-drone-strike |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722082822/https://www.france24.com/en/20130717-al-qaeda-yemen-aqap-confirms-death-us-drone-strike |archive-date=2013-07-22 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

On 19 July, a gunman shot and killed a member of the Popular Resistance Committees in Mudiyah, Abyan before fleeing. AQAP was suspected of conducting the attack.{{Cite web |date=2015-03-25 |title=Qaeda suspects kill pro-army militiaman in Yemen |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/qaeda-suspects-kill-pro-army-militiaman-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218071059/https://www.foxnews.com/world/qaeda-suspects-kill-pro-army-militiaman-in-yemen |archive-date=2021-12-18 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

On 21 July, Iranian diplomat Nour Ahmad Nikbakht was kidnapped by AQAP gunmen who stopped his car in Sana'a shortly after leaving his home.{{Cite news |date=2015-03-05 |title=Iranian 'operation' in Yemen frees kidnapped diplomat |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31744613 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708172406/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31744613 |archive-date=2024-07-08 |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 11 August, a suspected AQAP attack near a gas plant in Shabwah killed 5 soldiers. The attackers opened fire on a military checkpoint near the Balhaf terminal before fleeing.{{Cite news |date=2013-08-11 |title=Yemen violence: Gunmen launch deadly gas plant attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23655421 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619175344/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23655421 |archive-date=2024-06-19 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 20 September, AQAP launched coordinated attacks on multiple military encampments across Shabwah, killing at least 38 and wounding dozens. A suicide bomber rammed their vehicle into one site at a base in al-Mayfa'a district after militants overpowered the guards. Firefights in another site of the base lead to more casualties. A car bomb at a base in al-Ain district exploded prematurely, leading to a heavy firefight which resulted in the militants seizing multiple soldiers and vehicles. 8 AQAP fighters were killed in the fighting.{{Cite web |date=2013-09-20 |title=Al-Qaeda militants kill 38 troops in Yemen attacks |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/al-qaeda-militants-kill-38-troops-in-yemen-attacks-1.1861592 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926123718/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/al-qaeda-militants-kill-38-troops-in-yemen-attacks-1.1861592 |archive-date=2013-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=CBC News}}

A prison break plot in Sana'a involving nearly 300 AQAP members was foiled on 22 October. The inmates attacked guards with knifes and iron bars before seizing their weapons and taking multiple guards hostage. Clashes with prison guards thwarted their attempts to flee, with the inmates releasing the hostages the next day.{{Cite web |date=2013-10-23 |title=Yemen foils al-Qaeda prison break |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/10/23/yemen-foils-al-qaeda-prison-break |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728233005/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/10/23/yemen-foils-al-qaeda-prison-break/ |archive-date=2024-07-28 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 26 November, two Belarusian defence contractors were shot and killed by gunmen riding on a motorcycle. AQAP was suspected of conducting the attack. In response, the government of Sana'a banned motorcycles in the city for a two-week period.{{Cite news |date=2013-12-02 |title=Yemen: Motorbike ban after spate of drive-by shootings |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-25183216 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916000617/https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-25183216 |archive-date=2024-09-16 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

{{Main|2013 Sana'a attack}}

On 5 December, an AQAP attack on the Yemeni Defense Ministry in Sana'a involving a series of bombings and gun attacks killed at least 56 people.{{cite web |date=5 December 2013 |title=Militants attack hospital at Yemen's Defense Ministry |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/05/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205183204/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/05/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html |archive-date=2013-12-05 |access-date=2013-12-06 |publisher=CNN}} After footage of the attack was aired on Yemeni television showing the destruction of a hospital within the ministry compound and the killing of medical personnel and patients, AQAP leader Qasim al-Raymi released a video message apologizing, claiming that the team of attackers were directed not to assault the hospital in the attack, but that one had gone ahead and done so.{{cite web |date=2013-12-22 |title=Al Qaeda: We're sorry about Yemen hospital attack |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/22/world/meast/yemen-al-qaeda-apology/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221519/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/22/world/meast/yemen-al-qaeda-apology/ |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2014-01-22 |publisher=CNN}}

On 8 January, a U.S. drone strike in al-Qatan, Hadhramaut killed two suspected AQAP members in a vehicle.{{Cite web |date=2014-01-08 |title=Two suspected Qaeda militants killed in Yemen drone strike: residents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/08/us-yemen-strike-idUSBREA070PR20140108/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111053748/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/08/us-yemen-strike-idUSBREA070PR20140108/ |archive-date=2014-01-11 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Reuters}}

On 24 March, AQAP gunmen in multiple vehicles opened fire on a military checkpoint in Hadhramaut, killing 20 Yemeni soldiers.{{Cite news |date=2014-03-24 |title=Yemen attack on military checkpoint 'kills 20 soldiers' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26712897 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824224710/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26712897 |archive-date=2024-08-24 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

A series of coordinated U.S. airstrikes and Yemeni ground raids from 19 to 21 April in Abyan and Shabwah killed close to 55 AQAP members. In retaliation, AQAP killed 4 security officials over the next day.{{Cite news |last=Black |first=Ian |date=2014-04-22 |title=Yemen conflict highlighted after 55 killed in air raids and drone strikes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/22/yemen-conflict-in-spotlight-after-drone-strikes-air-raids |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423014948/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/22/yemen-conflict-in-spotlight-after-drone-strikes-air-raids |archive-date=2014-04-23 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 29 April, the Yemeni government launched an offensive against AQAP strongholds in Abyan and Shabwah governorates. The offensives specifically targeted the mountainous al-Mahfad district in Abyan and the town of 'Azzan in Shabwah, where AQAP forces had entrenched themselves after being forced out of population centres in the south. The same day, the army reported killing 8 AQAP militants and suffering 3 deaths, while an AQAP ambush on a convoy in Shabwah killed 15 soldiers.{{Cite news |date=2014-04-29 |title=Yemen army launches major al-Qaeda offensive in south |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27212888 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627065546/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27212888 |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 1 May, 7 AQAP fighters, including Uzbek commander Abu Muslim al-Uzbeki were killed by fighting in al-Mahfad.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-01 |title=Yemeni Army Kills 7 al-Qaida Fighters |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-army-kills-7-al-qaida-fighters/1905512.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620141058/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-army-kills-7-al-qaida-fighters/1905512.html |archive-date=2017-06-20 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} On 3 May, 5 militants were killed in by airstrikes in Shabwah. The next day, the military reported killing 20 AQAP members and wounding dozens more.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-04 |title=Army kills 40 Al Qaeda suspects in south Yemen — ministry |url=https://jordantimes.com/news/region/army-kills-40-al-qaeda-suspects-south-yemen-%E2%80%94-ministry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816100141/https://jordantimes.com/news/region/army-kills-40-al-qaeda-suspects-south-yemen-%E2%80%94-ministry |archive-date=2017-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Jordan Times |language=en}} On 6 May, al-Mahfad was captured by the army after a battle which killed "dozens" of AQAP fighters, who were forced to flee.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-06 |title=Yemeni military seizes southern al Qaeda stronghold |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20140506-yemen-army-seizes-stronghold-qaeda-linked-militants-aqap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506191212/https://www.france24.com/en/20140506-yemen-army-seizes-stronghold-qaeda-linked-militants-aqap |archive-date=2014-05-06 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=France 24 |language=en}} By 8 May, the army had secured al-Mahfad and Azzan.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-08 |title=Western Missions in Yemen on Alert as Army Moves Against al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/western-missions-in-yemen-on-alert-as-army-moves-against-al-qaeda/1910561.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624044917/https://www.voanews.com/a/western-missions-in-yemen-on-alert-as-army-moves-against-al-qaeda/1910561.html |archive-date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}

On 9 May, at least 4 Yemeni soldiers were killed in a skirmish when a vehicle attacked the gates of the Presidential Palace in Sana'a. Authorities claimed that AQAP was responsible.{{cite web |date=9 May 2014 |title=Yemen soldiers killed near Sanaa presidential palace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27352009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510030023/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27352009 |archive-date=10 May 2014 |access-date=9 May 2014 |publisher=BBC}}

On 25 June, AQAP launched an attack on Seiyun airport, Hadhramaut. Gunmen stormed the airport, killing 3 soldiers and briefly seizing it before army reinforcements resecured it, killing 6 of the militants and capturing 4.{{Cite web |date=2014-06-26 |title=Armed fighters attack Yemen's Seiyun airport |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/6/26/armed-fighters-attack-yemens-seiyun-airport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609180108/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/6/26/armed-fighters-attack-yemens-seiyun-airport |archive-date=2024-06-09 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

After being driven out of the southern areas of the country over the past two years, AQAP began regrouping in the eastern Hadhramaut governorate of Yemen, where they prepared for the establishment of another "emirate". On 22 July, the group began distributing leaflets across the governorate ordering people to adhere to their law.{{Cite web |last1=Mukhashaf |first1=Mohammed |last2=Bayoumy |first2=Yara |date=2014-07-22 |title=Yemen's al Qaeda wing seeks to set up 'emirate' in east |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/yemens-al-qaeda-wing-seeks-set-emirate-east-115323279.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917002115/https://www.yahoo.com/news/yemens-al-qaeda-wing-seeks-set-emirate-east-115323279.html |archive-date=2024-09-17 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}

On 21 September, the Houthis took control of the capital of Yemen, Sana'a, after a brief battle with government forces. The same day, the Hadi government and the Houthis agreed to form a joint-unity government. The Shiite Houthis, whose insurgency had previously operated predominantly in northern Yemen, had now positioned themselves directly adjacent to AQAP's sphere of influence in the central and southern governorates, leading to conflict that would persist over the rest of AQAPs insurgency in Yemen.{{Cite news |date=2014-10-15 |title=Shia Houthi rebels and al-Qaeda clash in south Yemen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Reardon |first=Martin |date=2014-11-18 |title=The rise of the Houthis |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/11/18/the-rise-of-the-houthis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616041055/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/11/18/the-rise-of-the-houthis/ |archive-date=2024-06-16 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 4 October, an AQAP attack in al-Bayda city killed at least 9 people. AQAP had attacked the city as they saw it as "sympathetic" to the Houthis.{{Cite news |date=2014-10-08 |title=Nine killed as al-Qaeda attacks south Yemen town |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29534934 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818025523/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29534934 |archive-date=2022-08-18 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

AQAP took responsibility for a suicide bombing in Tahrir Square, Sana'a, on 9 October which killed 47 people and injured at least 75 others. The Square had previously been the centerpoint of the revolution a month earlier.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-10 |title=Al Qaeda claims responsibility for Sanaa suicide bombings |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/al-qaeda-claims-responsibility-sanaa-suicide-bombings-184821975.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222224730/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/al-qaeda-claims-responsibility-sanaa-suicide-bombings-184821975.html |archive-date=2015-12-22 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-CA}}

On 15 October, Houthis and AQAP forces clashed in Rada'a, killing at least 10 people. The clashes had occurred after the Houthis had attempted to take control of areas surrounding the town.{{Cite news |date=2014-10-15 |title=Shia Houthi rebels and al-Qaeda clash in south Yemen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803213806/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |archive-date=2022-08-03 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The same day, the Houthis had seized the AQAP stronghold of Ibb.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-16 |title=Houthi fighters seize Yemen city of Ibb |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/16/houthi-fighters-seize-yemen-city-of-ibb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604025913/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/16/houthi-fighters-seize-yemen-city-of-ibb/ |archive-date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Further clashes occurred on 16 October, killing another 10 Houthi fighters. AQAP also released a statement the same day claiming to have captured Odien, a small town close to Ibb, for a short time in order to not let the Houthis seize it.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-17 |title=Houthi and al-Qaeda clash |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/17/houthi-and-al-qaeda-fighters-clash-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225610/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/17/houthi-and-al-qaeda-fighters-clash-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-01-04 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} By 27 October, the fighting had killed more than 250 people, as AQAP recruited more Sunni tribesmen against the Houthis, who at that point occupied a large portion of the city.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-27 |title=Houthis face resistance in Yemeni province |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/27/houthis-face-resistance-in-yemeni-province |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230743/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/27/houthis-face-resistance-in-yemeni-province |archive-date=2020-11-11 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} On 10 November, AQAP launched a counterattack on the Houthis in Rada'a, killing at least 30 people, while a truce was signed between AQAP and the Houthis in Odien.{{Cite web |date=2014-11-10 |title=Dozens killed in clashes in southern Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/11/10/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006041918/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/11/10/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-yemen/ |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 21 November, AQAP released a message rebuking the Islamic State, which had declared the established of a Yemen branch earlier in the week. Up until that point AQAP had adopted a more neutral approach to ISIS compared to other al-Qaeda branches which were in direct conflict with ISIS.{{Cite web |last=Cruickshank |first=Paul |date=2014-11-21 |title=Al Qaeda in Yemen rebukes ISIS |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/21/world/meast/al-qaeda-yemen-isis/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806152929/https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/21/world/meast/al-qaeda-yemen-isis/index.html |archive-date=2024-08-06 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CNN |language=en}}

{{Main|2014 hostage rescue operations in Yemen}}

On 26 November, United States Navy SEALs from DEVGRU collaborated with Yemeni special forces in a hostage rescue mission to free American journalist Luke Somers, along with multiple other hostages held by AQAP. The mission took place in northern Hadhramaut, along the border with Saudi Arabia. The team engaged AQAP in a firefight near a cave housing the hostages, killing 7 militants. The raid rescued 8 hostages of various nationalities, but they did not include Somers, who was moved to another area alongside 4 other hostages days before the raid.{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Luis |date=2014-11-27 |title=Yemenis Say American Moved Days Before Special Ops Mission to Free Hostages in Yemen |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201012723/https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 |archive-date=2014-12-01 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ABC News |language=en}} Later in December, AQAP published a video threatening to kill Somers within 72 hours of its release. Another rescue mission subsequently occurred on 6 December in southern Shabwah. 40 SEALs backed by Yemeni special forces attempted to infiltrate the AQAP compound housing the targets, but they were spotted about 100 metres away, leading to heavy skirmishes. Upon entering the compound, 2 hostages, including Somers, were found shot, while the 3 other hostages were missing. Both hostages eventually died while being transported.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-06 |title=Hostages Luke Somers and Pierre Korkie killed during rescue attempt in Yemen |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207000328/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 |archive-date=2014-12-07 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CBC}}

On 3 December, a suicide car bomb targeted the home of the Iranian ambassador to Yemen in Sana'a, killing 3 people and injuring 17. AQAP was suspected to have done the attack, seeing that the Houthis enjoy support from the Iranian government.{{Cite news |last= |date=2014-12-03 |title=Yemen car bomb targets Iran ambassador |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/yemen-car-bomb-iran-ambassador-sanaa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909053222/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/yemen-car-bomb-iran-ambassador-sanaa |archive-date=2024-09-09 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 16 December, AQAP attempted a car bombing against Houthi gathering points in Rada'a. One bomb made it to the target, but another bomb came short, exploding next to a school bus. The bombings killed 31 people altogether, 20 of them children.{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2014-12-16 |title=Bomb meant for militants kills 20 children in Yemen, officials say |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/16/world/meast/yemen-violence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410073225/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/16/world/meast/yemen-violence/ |archive-date=2023-04-10 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 31 December, a suicide bombing occurred in Ibb during a Mawlid festival, killing 49 Houthi fighters and wounding 70. AQAP was predicted to be the perpetrator, seeing that the festival was organized by Houthi supporters and officials.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-31 |title=Houthis killed in Yemen suicide bombing |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/12/31/houthis-killed-in-yemen-suicide-bombing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706145632/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/12/31/houthis-killed-in-yemen-suicide-bombing/ |archive-date=2024-07-06 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 7 January, an AQAP car bomb exploded outside of a police academy in Sana'a, killing at least 37 people and injuring 66 others.{{Cite news |date=2015-01-07 |title=Yemen bomb blast kills dozens near Sanaa police academy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30706208 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427212806/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30706208 |archive-date=2024-04-27 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 5 February, AQAP announced the death of senior Sharia cleric Harith al-Nadhari to a U.S. drone strike on 31 January. Al-Nadhari was killed while travelling in a vehicle in Shabwah along with 3 other AQAP members.{{Cite web |date=2015-02-05 |title=AQAP says senior leader Harith an-Nadhari killed in drone strike in Yemen |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aqap-says-senior-leader-harith-nadhari-killed-drone-strike-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706153601/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aqap-says-senior-leader-harith-nadhari-killed-drone-strike-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-07-06 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}

On 5 March, Nour Ahmad Nikbakht was repatriated to Iran by AQAP in a prisoner swap with Iranian government. In return for the diplomat, AQAP freed 5 senior al-Qaeda leaders held by Iran; Egyptians Saif al-Adel, Abu Khayr al-Masri and Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, and Jordanians Khalid al-Aruri and Sari Shihab.{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Adam |date=2023-04-10 |title=Top al-Qaeda operatives freed in prisoner swap with Iran |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-al-qaeda-operatives-freed-in-prisoner-swap-with-iran/2015/09/18/02bc58e2-5e0c-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001203351/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-al-qaeda-operatives-freed-in-prisoner-swap-with-iran/2015/09/18/02bc58e2-5e0c-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html |archive-date=2015-10-01 |access-date=2024-09-26 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned on 21 January, leading to the Houthis seizing the Presidential Palace a few days later and consolidating their power. After the Houthis dissolved parliament and established their own interim government on 6 February, Hadi fled Sana'a on 21 February to Aden, where he later rescinded his abdication and labeled his government as the legitimate representatives of Yemen.{{Cite news |date=2015-02-06 |title=Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels announce takeover |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916022607/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773 |archive-date=2024-09-16 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-02-24 |title=Yemen's president retracts resignation after escape from house arrest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/24/yemens-president-retracts-resignation-after-escape-from-house-arrest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203222157/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/24/yemens-president-retracts-resignation-after-escape-from-house-arrest |archive-date=2022-12-03 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Hadi fled Yemen on 25 March as a ten-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by the United States announced their intervention in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government and against the Houthis.{{Cite web |date=2015-03-26 |title=Saudi Arabia, allies launch air campaign in Yemen against Houthi fighters |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/25/saudi-arabia-allies-launch-air-strikes-on-houthi-rebels-in-yemen--saudi-envoy.html |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CNBC |language=en}} Al-Qaeda's insurgency had been transitioned into Yemen's full-scale civil war, a conflict which they would exploit to gain an unprecedented amount of power. AQAP, despite their hostility to Yemen's government, decided to fight on the same side as them in order to counter the Houthis{{Cite web |last1=Carboni |first1=Andrea |last2=Sulz |first2=Matthias |date=2020-12-14 |title=The Wartime Transformation of AQAP in Yemen |url=https://acleddata.com/2020/12/14/the-wartime-transformation-of-aqap-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222031514/https://acleddata.com/2020/12/14/the-wartime-transformation-of-aqap-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2020-12-22 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=ACLED |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Battle of Mukalla (2015)}}

On 20 March, AQAP captured the capital of Lahij governorate, al-Houta, killing 20 soldiers and occupying the city for multiple hours before being driven out.{{Cite news |last= |date=2015-03-21 |title=Yemen mosque bombings 'could only be done by the enemies of life' – president |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/21/yemen-mosque-bombings-enemies-of-life-president-abedrabbo-mansour-hadi-houthi-isis-al-qaida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913161731/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/21/yemen-mosque-bombings-enemies-of-life-president-abedrabbo-mansour-hadi-houthi-isis-al-qaida |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-09-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} By late-March, most army and coalition forces were battling the Houthis, who were attempting to push into Aden. This gave AQAP an opportunity to make major gains in regions away from the Houthi conflict.{{Cite web |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem |date=2015-04-02 |title=Affiliate of Al Qaeda Seizes Major Yemeni City, Driving Out the Military |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920223500/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda-attack.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimesworld |archive-date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}} On 2 April, AQAP fighters stormed the capital of Hadhramaut governorate, Mukalla, breaching its central prison and releasing over 300 inmates, about a third of which were believed to be AQAP affiliated. Among the released included senior commander Khalid Batarfi, who led AQAP's Abyan offensive in 2011.{{Cite web |last=Boghani |first=Priyanka |date=2024-03-04 |title=With Yemen in Turmoil, Al Qaeda Breaks Hundreds Out of Prison |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/with-yemen-in-turmoil-al-qaeda-breaks-hundreds-out-of-prison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304124215/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/with-yemen-in-turmoil-al-qaeda-breaks-hundreds-out-of-prison/ |archive-date=2024-03-04 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=PBS}} The militants had also seized key government buildings within the city, such as the presidential palace and the central bank, the latter of which they looted more than US$1 million from. By the next day, Mukalla, the fifth-largest city in Yemen, had fallen completely to AQAP as the military was driven out by mortar fire.{{Cite web |last1=Al-Batati |first1=Saeed |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem |date=2015-04-03 |title=Affiliate of Al Qaeda Seizes Major Yemeni City, Driving Out the Military |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816191213/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}} On 4 April, the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance, a pro-government tribal militia, occupied 2 army bases and began to enter the city to battle AQAP.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-04 |title=Yemen Tribal Forces Vow to Retake Mukalla From al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-tribal-forces-vow-to-retake-mukalla-from-al-qaida/2706647.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609145517/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-tribal-forces-vow-to-retake-mukalla-from-al-qaida/2706647.html |archive-date=2023-06-09 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} By 7 April, AQAP had reportedly lost nearly half of the city to the tribesmen.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-07 |title=Suspected al Qaeda militants take Yemen border post with Saudi |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSKBN0MY18F20150407/?irpc=932 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Reuters}} On 12 April, a U.S. drone strike in Mukalla killed multiple AQAP members, including senior cleric Ibrahim al-Rubaysh.{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |date=2015-04-14 |title=Drone Attack Kills Top Cleric, al-Qaeda Branch Says |url=https://time.com/3821486/yemen-al-qaeda-branch-cleric-drone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215072302/https://time.com/3821486/yemen-al-qaeda-branch-cleric-drone/ |archive-date=2023-12-15 |access-date=2024-09-21 |magazine=Time |language=en}} AQAP militants seized Mukalla's Rayan airport, a nearby oil terminal on the coast of the city, and the city's main army base on 16 April. The next day, the group seized a large weapons depot near the city, capturing dozens of tanks, rocket launchers and small arms. After forging a truce with the local tribes of the city, AQAP had consolidated their power in Mukalla.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-17 |title=Al-Qaida in Yemen Takes Massive Weapons Depot From Army |url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/04/17/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519023856/http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/04/17/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2015-05-19 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Brian |last2=King |first2=Laura |date=2015-04-17 |title=Al Qaeda in Yemen using chaos of war to carve out terrorism haven |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-alqaeda-20150418-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623053804/https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-alqaeda-20150418-story.html |archive-date=2024-06-23 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Soon after, the group transferred power to a civilian council, assigning them a budget of over $4 million to maintain the city. AQAP refrained from imposing the strict Sharia law that they once imposed in their Abyan emirate, their only notable presence in the city being a police station where they mediated local disputes.{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Ben |date=2015-06-09 |title=Al Qaeda Tries a New Tactic to Keep Power: Sharing It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-syria-houthis.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313004730/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-syria-houthis.html |archive-date=2023-03-13 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}} The group reportedly collected an estimated US$2 million daily from customs fees on goods entering through the port of Mukalla.

By mid-June, AQAP had occupied large portions of Hadhramaut as its new emirate, and were engaging the Houthis in al-Bayda, although to a lesser amount of success. AQAP has prioritized establishing relations with the local tribes of Hadhramaut and al-Bayda in order to gain their acceptance. The largely Sunni tribes of the area see AQAP as a bulwark against the Shiite Houthis.{{Cite news |last=Naylor |first=Hugh |date=2023-04-09 |title=Quietly, al-Qaeda offshoots expand in Yemen and Syria |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/quietly-al-qaeda-offshoots-expand-in-yemen-and-syria/2015/06/04/9575a240-0873-11e5-951e-8e15090d64ae_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605010144/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/quietly-al-qaeda-offshoots-expand-in-yemen-and-syria/2015/06/04/9575a240-0873-11e5-951e-8e15090d64ae_story.html |archive-date=2015-06-05 |access-date=2024-09-21 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} AQAP has used Mukalla and their Hadhramaut emirate in general as a headquarters and a launching pad for its activities in the rest of the country.{{Cite web |last=Riedel |first=Bruce |date=2015-07-12 |title=Al-Qaida's Hadramawt emirate |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/al-qaidas-hadramawt-emirate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711001810/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/al-qaidas-hadramawt-emirate/ |archive-date=2024-07-11 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}

On 7 May, AQAP released a message announcing the death of Nasser bin Ali al-Ansi, who had been killed on 21–22 April from a U.S. drone strike in Mukalla along with 6 other AQAP members. The senior military strategist was in a vehicle parked next to the presidential palace when he was killed. Al-Ansi had appeared in multiple AQAP messages, including videos announcing the ransom and death of Luke Somers, and a video claiming responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo shooting.{{Cite news |last= |date=2015-05-07 |title=Al-Qaida in Yemen says US drone killed man who claimed Charlie Hebdo attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/yemen-al-qaida-droke-strike-charlie-hebdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913163407/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/yemen-al-qaida-droke-strike-charlie-hebdo |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-09-21 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 16 June, AQAP announced the death of leader Nasser al-Wuhayshi from a U.S. drone strike on 11–12 June, along with 2 other militants. The White House labeled Wuhayshi's death a "major blow" to AQAP and the most significant loss in al-Qaeda's leadership since the killing of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. At the time of his death, Wuhayshi was essentially second-in-command of al-Qaeda, only behind Ayman al-Zawahiri, and was the main facilitator between all of al-Qaeda's affiliates and their allies. Qasim al-Raymi was announced to be his successor.{{Cite web |last=Dawber |first=Alistair |date=2015-06-16 |title=Death of al-Qaeda leader Nasser al-Wuhayshi in US drone strike in Yemen a 'major blow' to Aqap, says White House |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/death-of-alqaeda-leader-nasser-alwuhayshi-in-us-drone-strike-in-yemen-a-major-blow-to-aqap-says-white-house-10324489.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522175523/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/death-of-alqaeda-leader-nasser-alwuhayshi-in-us-drone-strike-in-yemen-a-major-blow-to-aqap-says-white-house-10324489.html |archive-date=2022-05-22 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The Independent}}{{Cite web |last=Boghani |first=Priyanka |date=2015-06-16 |title=Has the U.S. Killed the Most Important Al Qaeda Member Since Bin Laden? |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/has-the-u-s-killed-the-most-important-al-qaeda-member-since-bin-laden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516061412/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/has-the-u-s-killed-the-most-important-al-qaeda-member-since-bin-laden/ |archive-date=2024-05-16 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=PBS |language=en-US}}

A mass prison break in Taiz on 30 June lead to more than 1,200 inmates escaping, many of them AQAP members. AQAP fighters attacked the prison, provoking heavy clashes and drawing out the guards, allowing the prisoners to flee.{{Cite web |last1=Ghobari |first1=Mohammed |last2=Abdelaty |first2=Ali |date=2015-06-30 |title=Yemen prison break: Al-Qaeda suspects among 1,200 escaped inmates, say officials |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-prison-break-alqaeda-suspects-among-1-200-escaped-inmates-say-officials-10356424.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712195629/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-prison-break-alqaeda-suspects-among-1-200-escaped-inmates-say-officials-10356424.html |archive-date=2024-07-12 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The Independent}}

On 31 July, an AQAP suicide car bombing in Qoton, Hadhramaut killed 9 Yemeni soldiers at an army checkpoint.{{Cite web |date=2015-07-31 |title=Suicide bombing kills 9 Yemen soldiers |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/suicide-bombing-kills-9-yemen-soldiers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722120057/https://www.newarab.com/news/suicide-bombing-kills-9-yemen-soldiers |archive-date=2023-07-22 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The New Arab}}

On 22 October, reports indicated that AQAP flags were being hung up in different parts of the seemingly government-controlled Aden governorate, including Tawahi district, which they allegedly had full control over and were patrolling with convoys. AQAP had activity within multiple areas of Aden, including Crater, Khor Maksar and Brigua.{{Cite web |date=2015-10-22 |title=Al-Qaeda flag flying over buildings in Yemen's Aden |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/al-qaeda-flag-flying-over-buildings-yemens-aden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921195730/https://www.newarab.com/news/al-qaeda-flag-flying-over-buildings-yemens-aden |archive-date=2024-09-21 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The New Arab}}{{Cite web |date=2015-11-16 |title=Yemen authorities tell Aden: Put down your guns |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/16/yemen-authorities-tell-aden-put-down-your-guns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921195831/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/16/yemen-authorities-tell-aden-put-down-your-guns |archive-date=2024-09-21 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Al Jazeera}}

{{Main|Fall of Zinjibar and Jaar}}

On 2 December, hundreds of AQAP fighters stormed through Zinjibar and Jaʽār, leading to fierce clashes with the local Popular Committee's. Zinjibar was previously the site of a battle in August between the Houthis coming from Aden and the pro-government committees, who managed to drive out the Houthis with government and coalition support.{{Cite news |date=2015-08-08 |title=Yemen crisis: Rebels 'driven out of key city of Zinjibar' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33839735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809050456/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33839735 |archive-date=2015-08-09 |access-date=2024-09-21 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} AQAP was reportedly in control of much of Abyan governorate at the time of the offensive. In Jaʽār, at least 4 Popular Committee commanders were killed, and their headquarters was destroyed. By the end of the day, the towns were in complete control of AQAP, with the battles altogether killing 7 committee militiamen and 5 AQAP fighters.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2015-12-02 |title=Al Qaeda militants take over two south Yemen towns, residents say |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0TL0BQ20151202 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204221649/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0TL0BQ20151202 |archive-date=2015-12-04 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=Masmari |first=Hakim Al |date=2015-12-02 |title=Al Qaeda seizes key towns in south Yemen |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/02/us/al-qaeda-yemen/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807000639/https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/02/us/al-qaeda-yemen/index.html |archive-date=2022-08-07 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 22 December, suspected AQAP gunmen killed Popular Resistance Committee leader Jalal al-Awbali and an army colonel in Dar Sad district, Aden. The same day, a U.S. airstrike killed 4 AQAP members near the border of al-Bayda and Shabwah.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-23 |title=Drone strike kills 4 Al Qaida suspects in Yemen |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/drone-strike-kills-4-al-qaida-suspects-in-yemen-1.1642998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921201949/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/drone-strike-kills-4-al-qaida-suspects-in-yemen-1.1642998 |archive-date=2024-09-21 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

{{Main|Southern Abyan Offensive (2016)}}

On 26 January, AQAP recaptured al-Houta, storming several government buildings and blowing up the local police headquarters.{{Cite web |date=2016-01-26 |title=Yemen: Al-Qaeda captures capital of Lahj for second time |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-captures-capital-lahj-second-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420172532/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-captures-capital-lahj-second-time |archive-date=2024-04-20 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The New Arab}} From there, AQAP would launch an offensive to connect their territory in Abyan from the west to Shabwah from the east. On 1 February, AQAP seized the town of Azzan in southeastern Shabwah with seemingly no resistance.{{Cite web |last=Asher-Schapiro |first=Avi |date=2016-02-01 |title=Al Qaeda Is Making Serious Gains Amid Chaos of Yemen's Civil War |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/al-qaeda-is-making-serious-gains-amid-chaos-of-yemens-civil-war/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922030028/https://www.vice.com/en/article/al-qaeda-is-making-serious-gains-amid-chaos-of-yemens-civil-war/ |archive-date=2024-09-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=VICE |language=en-US}} On 4 February, AQAP seized al-Mahfad in Abyan, while a U.S. drone strike killed field commander Jalal Baleedi along with 2 of his bodyguards in Azzan.{{Cite web |last=Roggio |first=Bill |date=2016-02-11 |title=Al Qaeda seizes more territory in southern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/al-qaeda-seizes-more-territory-in-southern-yemen.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629191027/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/al-qaeda-seizes-more-territory-in-southern-yemen.php |archive-date=2024-06-29 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=US drone strike kills senior al-Qaeda leader in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/2/4/us-drone-strike-kills-senior-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} On 8 February AQAP captured the town of Shuqrah in Abyan and attempted to capture Ahwar, though they were pushed out.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-06 |title=Al Qaeda tightens its grip on south Yemen coast |url=https://jordantimes.com/news/region/al-qaeda-tightens-its-grip-south-yemen-coast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424051752/https://jordantimes.com/news/region/al-qaeda-tightens-its-grip-south-yemen-coast |archive-date=2024-04-24 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Jordan Times |language=en}} The major component of AQAP's offensive began on 20 February when hundreds of fighters attacked Ahwar, Abyan, clashing with Popular Committee forces. By the end of the day, AQAP was in control of Ahwar, killing 3 committee soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-20 |title=Al Qaeda militants seize southern Yemen town, kill militia leader: residents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0VT0AK/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220120036/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0VT0AK/ |archive-date=2016-02-20 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Reuters}} With the fall of Ahwar, AQAP had control of nearly all of the coast in southern Abyan, connecting their emirate from Mukalla in Hadhramaut to Zinjibar in Abyan.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-21 |title=Qaeda kills three in sweep of Yemen's south |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Feb-2016/qaeda-kills-three-in-sweep-of-yemen-s-south |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206130820/https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Feb-2016/qaeda-kills-three-in-sweep-of-yemen-s-south |archive-date=2019-02-06 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}} Clashes with government loyalists persisted throughout AQAP's occupation.

{{Main|Aden unrest (2015–2019)#Battle of Al-Mansoura}}

Conflict between pro-government elements and AQAP in Aden increased compared to the previous year. On 1 January, Popular Committee fighters attacked an AQAP convoy heading to Aden killing 3 members including senior Sharia cleric Ali Abed al-Rab bin Talab.{{Cite web |date=2016-01-01 |title=Senior Al-Qaida Leader Killed in Yemen Clashes |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/senior-al-qaida-leader-killed-in-yemen-clashes/3127921.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927143247/https://www.voanews.com/a/senior-al-qaida-leader-killed-in-yemen-clashes/3127921.html |archive-date=2021-09-27 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} On 6 February, government forces battled AQAP forces entrenched within al-Mansoura district while coalition airstrikes attacked their positions. The battle killed several people.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-09 |title=Al-Qaida, Yemeni Forces Clash in Aden |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/al-qaida-yemeni-forces-clash-in-aden/3182925.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615211508/https://www.voanews.com/a/al-qaida-yemeni-forces-clash-in-aden/3182925.html |archive-date=2022-06-15 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} On 11 February, 3 Yemeni soldiers were killed in a suspected AQAP attack in al-Mansoura. The next day, AQAP gunmen assaulted a police outpost in the Basateen area in northern Aden governorate, killing 5 police officers.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-12 |title=Suspected Qaeda attackers kill five police in Yemen's Aden |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2016/02/12/-Qaeda-attack-kills-5-police-in-Yemen-s-Aden- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226080536/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2016/02/12/-Qaeda-attack-kills-5-police-in-Yemen-s-Aden- |archive-date=2024-02-26 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Al Arabiya News}} On 13 March, coalition Apache helicopters attacked AQAP positions in al-Mansoura, reportedly killing 16 militants and 1 civilian. The coalition had struck several armored vehicles and a government compound used by AQAP.{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2016-03-13 |title=Helicopters kill 17 as Yemen government moves against Aden militants |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0WF08S |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012143415/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0WF08S |archive-date=2023-10-12 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Reuters}} On 14 March, a UAE fighter jet crashed into a mountain near Aden while battling entrenched AQAP forces, killing the 2 pilots. While authorities first claimed that the crash was due to a malfunction, it was later revealed that AQAP had shot down the aircraft with a Russian SA-7 surface-to-air missile.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Bill |date=2016-03-26 |title=Yemen conflict: Al-Qaeda 'used surface-to-air missile' to bring down Emirati fighter jet |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-conflict-alqaeda-used-surfacetoair-missile-to-bring-down-emirati-fighter-jet-a6954671.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620224233/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-conflict-alqaeda-used-surfacetoair-missile-to-bring-down-emirati-fighter-jet-a6954671.html |archive-date=2023-06-20 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The Independent}} On 30 March, government forces retook al-Mansoura, capturing the central prison, main market, key roads and several government buildings after a 3 hour long gunfight. They had also captured 21 AQAP fighters during the operation. Remaining AQAP forces were suspected to have fled to Lahij.{{Cite web |last=Al Qalisi |first=Mohammed |date=2016-03-30 |title=Yemeni forces drive Al Qaeda from key areas of Aden |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/yemeni-forces-drive-al-qaeda-from-key-areas-of-aden-1.189864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802024137/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/yemeni-forces-drive-al-qaeda-from-key-areas-of-aden-1.189864 |archive-date=2021-08-02 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The National |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2016-03-30 |title=Air strikes target al Qaeda in Yemen, troops control Aden district |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0WW0O4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401204543/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0WW0O4/ |archive-date=2016-04-01 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Reuters}}

On 22 March, a U.S. airstrike on an AQAP training camp in Hajr district, Hadhramaut killed 40 fighters and injured an additional 25.{{Cite news |date=2016-03-23 |title=Yemen conflict: US air strike 'kills al-Qaeda militants' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35878463 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906234033/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35878463 |archive-date=2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Another U.S. drone strike occurred on 26 March in Abyan, killing 8 AQAP members.{{Cite news |last= |date=2016-03-27 |title=Suspected US drone strikes in Yemen kill eight militants, local residents say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/27/drone-strikes-yemen-kill-eight-militants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517191340/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/27/drone-strikes-yemen-kill-eight-militants |archive-date=2024-05-17 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 15 April, as a part of its campaign to secure Aden and its surrounding areas, government forces retook al-Houta from AQAP as they fled the city, arresting 49 militants in the operation.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-15 |title=Al Houta liberation 'to secure Aden' |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/al-houta-liberation-to-secure-aden-1.1713225 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926050038/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/al-houta-liberation-to-secure-aden-1.1713225 |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

{{Infobox military conflict

|conflict = Second Battle of Al Mukalla

|partof = the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present) and
the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen

|date = 24–25 April 2016 (1 day)

|place = Mukalla, Hadramaut, Yemen

|result = coalition victory

|status =

|combatant1 = {{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} AQAP

|combatant2= {{flagicon|Yemen}} Hadrami Elite Forces
{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

Supported by:

{{flagicon|Yemen}}Hadi-led government
{{nowrap|{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}}}
{{flagicon|United States}} United States (Airstrikes, limited involvement)

|commander1= {{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Qasim al-Raymi
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Khalid Batarfi
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Mamoun Abdulhamid Hatem{{KIA}}
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Sa’ad bin 'Atef al Awlaki{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/03/us-strike-on-camp-targeted-local-aqap-fighters-not-external-network-commander-claims.php|title=US strike on camp targeted local AQAP fighters, not external network, commander claims|publisher=FDD's Long War Journal|date=31 March 2016|author=Roggio, Bill|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003003445/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/03/us-strike-on-camp-targeted-local-aqap-fighters-not-external-network-commander-claims.php|url-status=live}}
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Mohammed Saleh al-Orabi{{cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/05/13/Yemeni-forces-captured-250-Qaeda-after-city-retaken-.html|title=Yemeni forces 'captured 250 Qaeda' after city retaken|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=13 May 2016|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003004632/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/05/13/Yemeni-forces-captured-250-Qaeda-after-city-retaken-.html|url-status=live}}

|commander2= {{flagicon|Yemen}} Major general Faraj Al-Bassani (Commander of the Second Military Region){{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/governor-of-hadramout-arrives-in-liberated-al-mukalla-1.1812232|title=Governor of Hadramout arrives in liberated Al Mukalla|author=Saeed Al Batati|work=Gulf News|date=26 April 2016 |access-date=12 May 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427124339/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/governor-of-hadramout-arrives-in-liberated-al-mukalla-1.1812232|url-status=live}}
{{flagicon|United Arab Emirates}} Brigadier general Musallam Al Rashidi (Commander of UAE Force in Hadhramout)
{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} Brigadier general Auni Al Qurni (Deputy commander of KSA Special Forces in Yemen){{Cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/mukallas-liberation-sends-a-warning-to-supporters-of-terrorism-says-uae-commander|title=Mukalla's liberation sends a warning to supporters of terrorism, says UAE commander|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228105326/http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/mukallas-liberation-sends-a-warning-to-supporters-of-terrorism-says-uae-commander|url-status=dead}}

|units1 =

|units2 =

|strength1 = 1,000+ fighters{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2016/04/08/Al-Qaeda-emerges-stronger-and-richer-from-Yemen-war|title=Al Qaeda emerges stronger and richer from Yemen war|date=8 April 2016|website=Al Arabiya English|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731084834/https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2016/04/08/Al-Qaeda-emerges-stronger-and-richer-from-Yemen-war|url-status=live}}

|strength2 = 2,000 soldiers{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/yemeni-uae-troops-seize-qaeda-held-seaport-city-023511960.html|title=Yemeni forces seize main oil terminal from al Qaeda|date=25 April 2016 |access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003136/https://www.yahoo.com/news/yemeni-uae-troops-seize-qaeda-held-seaport-city-023511960.html|url-status=live}}

|casualties1 = 89–91 killed
30 wounded (by airstrikes)
100–800 killed (ground offensive, Saudi coalition claims){{cite web|url=http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/arab-coalition-kills-800-qaeda-fighters-yemen-government-forces-make-gains/|title=Arab coalition kills 800 Qaeda fighters - Yemen government forces make gains|work=Kuwait Times|date=25 April 2016|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426174826/http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/arab-coalition-kills-800-qaeda-fighters-yemen-government-forces-make-gains/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/04/arab-coalition-enters-aqap-stronghold-in-port-city-of-mukalla-yemen.php|title=Arab coalition enters AQAP stronghold in port city of Mukalla, Yemen|work=The Long War Journal|date=25 April 2016 |access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601050657/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/04/arab-coalition-enters-aqap-stronghold-in-port-city-of-mukalla-yemen.php|url-status=live}}
8–250 captured
10 killed (AQAP claims during ground offensive){{cite web|title=Yemen govt forces seize Qaeda-held military camp|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/04/30/Yemen-govt-forces-seize-Qaeda-held-camp.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=30 April 2016|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003003432/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/04/30/Yemen-govt-forces-seize-Qaeda-held-camp.html|url-status=live}}
Total losses:
927–1,171

|casualties2 = 27 killed
60 wounded{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/yemen-27-soldiers-killed-60-wounded-in-mukalla-offensive-against-al-qaeda-militants-2773174/|title=Yemen: 27 soldiers killed, 60 wounded in Mukalla offensive against Al-Qaeda militants|date=27 April 2016|work=The Indian Express|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=28 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428102451/http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/yemen-27-soldiers-killed-60-wounded-in-mukalla-offensive-against-al-qaeda-militants-2773174/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/2016/04/27/27-Yemeni-troops-killed-in-Mukalla-offensive.html |title=27 Yemeni troops killed in Mukalla offensive |date=27 April 2016 |publisher=Al Arabiya English |access-date=2020-05-23 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042318/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/2016/04/27/27-Yemeni-troops-killed-in-Mukalla-offensive.html |url-status=live }}
Total losses:
87

|casualties3 = 2 Saudi citizens executed by AQAP
4 civilians killed by drone strike
8 civilians killed by air strike (AQAP claim)
Total:
14 civilians killed

|notes =

|campaignbox =

}}

{{main|Battle of Mukalla (2016)}}On 24 April, Yemeni and Saudi-led coalition forces began an offensive to recapture the territory held by AQAP in southern Yemen, with its first target being Mukalla.{{Cite news |date=2016-04-25 |title=Yemen conflict: Troops retake Mukalla from al-Qaeda |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36128614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111001937/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36128614 |archive-date=2022-11-11 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The offensive served as the first major anti-AQAP operation mounted by the coalition since the beginning of the war, likely due to increasing negotiations with the UN to end the conflict. Initially, the coalition launched a barrage of airstrikes against AQAP forces, while close to 2,000 Yemeni and UAE ground forces entered the city from the east.{{Cite news |last=Naylor |first=Hugh |date=2023-04-11 |title=War in Yemen takes a major turn with offensive against al-Qaeda |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/war-in-yemen-takes-a-major-turn-with-offensive-against-al-qaeda/2016/04/24/b8e73a3e-0a2c-11e6-bc53-db634ca94a2a_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616210012/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/war-in-yemen-takes-a-major-turn-with-offensive-against-al-qaeda/2016/04/24/b8e73a3e-0a2c-11e6-bc53-db634ca94a2a_story.html |archive-date=2024-06-16 |access-date=2024-09-22 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} The same day, AQAP began withdrawing its forces from Mukalla after negotiations with the government allowed them to leave the city without being targeted so they can regroup in Shabwah and Abyan.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-30 |title=Al-Qaeda confirms retreat from Yemeni port city of Mukalla |url=https://www.arabnews.com/news/al-qaeda-confirms-retreat-yemeni-port-city-mukalla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916075506/https://www.arabnews.com/news/al-qaeda-confirms-retreat-yemeni-port-city-mukalla |archive-date=2023-09-16 |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Arab News |language=en}} By the next day, Mukalla, the capital of AQAP's emirate, was completely recaptured by the government with barely any fighting, though the coalition claimed to have killed over 800 AQAP fighters through its airstrikes.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-25 |title=Yemen: Al-Qaeda fighters leave stronghold |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/4/25/yemen-war-al-qaeda-fighters-leave-mukalla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614032038/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/4/25/yemen-war-al-qaeda-fighters-leave-mukalla |archive-date=2024-06-14 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} On 26 April, government forces captured the city of Ghayl Ba Wazir, AQAP's last stronghold in Hadhramaut.{{Cite web |last=Al Batati |first=Saeed |date=2016-04-26 |title=Yemeni forces capture al-Qaeda stronghold in Hadramout |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/4/26/yemeni-forces-capture-al-qaeda-stronghold-in-hadramout |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313154811/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/4/26/yemeni-forces-capture-al-qaeda-stronghold-in-hadramout |archive-date=2024-03-13 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} After being expelled from power, AQAP began an insurgency within the governorate.

On 30 April, government forces captured a camp in Qoton, Hadhramaut held by AQAP, arresting 8 militants and seizing "large amounts" of weapons.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-30 |title=Al-Qaeda loses military camp to Yemeni forces |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/al-qaeda-loses-military-camp-yemeni-forces |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324121151/https://www.newarab.com/news/al-qaeda-loses-military-camp-yemeni-forces |archive-date=2023-03-24 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The New Arab}}

On 21 May, Yemeni soldiers with assistance from coalition helicopters killed 13 AQAP members in a raid near Mukalla. Authorities confirmed that the militants were preparing to launch attacks on several military command centres the next day.{{Cite web |date=2016-05-22 |title=War in Yemen: 13 al-Qaeda fighters killed in Mukalla |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/5/22/war-in-yemen-13-al-qaeda-fighters-killed-in-mukalla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005002929/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/5/22/war-in-yemen-13-al-qaeda-fighters-killed-in-mukalla |archive-date=2023-10-05 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 14 August, government forces along with coalition aircraft retook control of Zinjibar and Jaʽār in Abyan, killing about 40 AQAP fighters before they fled the cities.{{Cite web |date=2016-08-14 |title=Yemen army pushes al Qaeda fighters from two cities, about 40 dead |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-qaeda-idUSKCN10P0GJ/?il=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817201335/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-qaeda-idUSKCN10P0GJ/?il=0 |archive-date=2016-08-17 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Reuters}}

U.S. drone strikes from 24 August to 4 September in Shabwah reportedly killed 13 AQAP militants.{{Cite news |date=2016-09-07 |title=Yemen strikes kill al-Qaeda fighters, says US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37293522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619021444/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37293522 |archive-date=2024-06-19 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 22 September, a U.S. drone stroke in al-Sawma'ah district, al-Bayda killed AQAP regional commander Abdallah al-Sanaani along with his bodyguard while they were in a vehicle.{{Cite web |date=2016-09-22 |title=Local Yemeni al Qaeda leader killed in U.S. drone strike - official |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/local-yemeni-al-qaeda-leader-killed-u-drone-151449331.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922051634/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/local-yemeni-al-qaeda-leader-killed-u-drone-151449331.html |archive-date=2024-09-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Yahoo News}}

On 3 January, government and coalition forces attacked an AQAP stronghold within the al-Maraqisha mountains in Abyan, east of Aden. The battle killed 15 AQAP fighters and 11 soldiers{{Cite web |date=2017-01-03 |title=Yemeni troops attack al-Qaida, 26 dead on both sides |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-9eebd9c1c4d943c79e30e10b23b80440 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922202555/https://apnews.com/general-news-9eebd9c1c4d943c79e30e10b23b80440 |archive-date=2024-09-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=AP News |language=en}}

{{Main|Raid on Yakla}}

Anti-AQAP operations by coalition and American forces increased significantly under newly inaugurated U.S. president Donald Trump.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-03-03 |title=US special ops step up strikes on al-Qaeda and ISIS, insiders say |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-special-ops-step-strikes-al-qaeda-isis/story?id=45889665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064833/https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-special-ops-step-strikes-al-qaeda-isis/story?id=45889665 |archive-date=2024-07-31 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=ABC News |language=en}} From 20 to 22 January the U.S. conducted several airstrikes targeting AQAP in the town of al-Bayda, killing 5.{{Cite web |last1=Starr |first1=Barbara |last2=Browne |first2=Ryan |date=2017-01-23 |title=US orders first drone strikes under Trump |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/23/politics/drone-strikes-president-trump/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927094158/https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/23/politics/drone-strikes-president-trump/index.html |archive-date=2022-09-27 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=CNN |language=en}} On 29 January, DEVGRU conducted a raid in al-Ghayil, a town in the Yakla region of al-Bayda. The raid was authorized in order to collect key AQAP documents and information, as well as the possibility of neutralizing AQAP leader Qasim al-Raymi, whom UAE intelligence suggested could be present. Originally meant to be unexpected, AQAP prematurely detected the SEALs, eventually leading to a heavy firefight in the village which claimed the life of 1 American soldier and wounded 5 others. 14 AQAP fighters were killed along with "valuable information" being gathered, but al-Raymi was not killed or captured in the raid. Additionally, at least 16 civilians were killed, including the eight-year-old daughter of Anwar al-Awlaki, Nawar.{{Cite web |last1=McFadden |first1=Cynthia |last2=Arkin |first2=William |last3=Uehlinger |first3=Tim |date=2017-10-02 |title=Inside the Yemen raid: What went wrong? SEAL's father demands answers. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-trump-team-s-first-military-raid-went-wrong-n806246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003005520/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-trump-team-s-first-military-raid-went-wrong-n806246 |archive-date=2017-10-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

On 3 February, 13 AQAP fighters were killed in Lawdar after attempting to take over government buildings in the city.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-04 |title=Yemen tribesmen kill 13 Al-Qaeda extremists |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1049026/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411001630/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1049026/middle-east |archive-date=2021-04-11 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 27 February, an AQAP suicide bomber disguised in a military uniform killed at least 8 soldiers at an army base in Zinjibar.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-27 |title=Suicide bomber kills soldiers in Yemen's Zinjibar |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/2/24/suicide-bomber-kills-at-least-five-soldiers-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045758/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/2/24/suicide-bomber-kills-at-least-five-soldiers-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-03-14 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

From 2–3 March, the U.S. reportedly conducted over 30 airstrikes targeting AQAP, killing at least 20 members. An airstrike on 2 March in Wadi Yashbum, Shabwah killed multiple AQAP members including senior leader Usayd al-Adani and former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mohamed Tahar.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-03 |title=Civilians wounded as US jets target al-Qaeda in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/3/3/us-air-raids-target-al-qaeda-in-yemen-wound-civilians |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422193104/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/3/3/us-air-raids-target-al-qaeda-in-yemen-wound-civilians |archive-date=2024-04-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Another airstrike on 5 March killed 2 AQAP members on a motorcycle in Ahwar.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-05 |title=Drone strikes kill suspected al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/3/5/drone-strikes-kill-suspected-al-qaeda-fighters-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614032705/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/3/5/drone-strikes-kill-suspected-al-qaeda-fighters-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-06-14 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 27 March, AQAP attacked a government building in Lahij, driving a car bomb into its gate and engaging in a firefight with local soldiers. 6 soldiers and 4 civilians were killed in the attack, while 4 AQAP fighters were also killed.{{Cite web |date=2017-04-01 |title=Al-Qaeda claims suicide attack in south Yemen |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/al-qaeda-claims-suicide-attack-south-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714054954/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/al-qaeda-claims-suicide-attack-south-yemen |archive-date=2024-07-14 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}

On 29 March, a U.S. airstrike killed 4 AQAP members in vehicle in Mudiyah, Abyan.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-27 |title=Four suspected al Qaeda members killed in Yemen drone strike: residents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attacks-idUSKBN17010K/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329120948/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attacks-idUSKBN17010K/ |archive-date=2017-03-29 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Reuters}} On 31 March, a U.S. drone strike in al-Wadi district, Abyan killed 3 AQAP members in a house, including local leader Waddah Muhammed Amsouda.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-31 |title=Three suspected al Qaeda members killed in Yemen drone strike |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attacks-idUSKBN172104/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401073710/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attacks-idUSKBN172104/ |archive-date=2017-04-01 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Reuters}}

On 14 April, senior AQAP leader Ahmed Awad Barhamah was killed in an ambush in southeast Shabwah by tribal fighters.{{Cite web |date=2017-04-15 |title=Top Al-Qaeda leader killed by Yemeni tribesmen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170415-top-al-qaeda-leader-killed-by-yemeni-tribesmen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530152440/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170415-top-al-qaeda-leader-killed-by-yemeni-tribesmen/ |archive-date=2018-05-30 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Middle East Monitor}}

{{Main|Raid on Al Hathla}}

On 23 May, DEVGRU conducted another raid against AQAP in Ma'rib governorate, targeting a compound of the group using 'a combination of small arms fire and precision airstrikes' in order to gather intelligence. The U.S. reported the deaths of 7 AQAP members and no civilians casualties,{{Cite web |date=2017-05-23 |title=US raid kills 'seven al-Qaeda fighters' in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/5/23/us-raid-kills-seven-al-qaeda-fighters-in-yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} however UK-based human rights group Reprieve reported that the raid had killed 5 civilians and wounded 6, with SEALs killing a blind villager as he walked out of his home and killing 4 more after they began arguing with them after the fact.{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=2017-05-24 |title=US raid killed five Yemen civilians, says rights group disputing official story |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/24/us-military-yemen-raid-al-qaida-civilian-deaths |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603193052/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/24/us-military-yemen-raid-al-qaida-civilian-deaths |archive-date=2017-06-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 12 June, AQAP attacked an army camp in Hadhramaut killing 2 soldiers and losing 10 fighters. The militants had set off 2 car bombs outside the base before attacking, but were rebuffed.{{Cite web |date=2017-06-12 |title=Al Qaeda Claims Yemen Army Camp Attack That Killed 12 |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-06-12/suspected-al-qaeda-militants-attack-yemen-army-camp-12-dead-military-official |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229031127/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-06-12/suspected-al-qaeda-militants-attack-yemen-army-camp-12-dead-military-official |archive-date=2019-12-29 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=US News}}

On 2 August, an AQAP suicide car bomb attacked the base of a UAE-backed pro-government force in Rudum district, Shabwah, killing 6 soldiers and destroying 2 vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-03 |title=Al-Qaeda attack kills six soldiers in southern Yemen |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/03/Al-Qaeda-attack-kills-six-soldiers-in-southern-Yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518121616/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/03/Al-Qaeda-attack-kills-six-soldiers-in-southern-Yemen |archive-date=2021-05-18 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Arabiya News}}

On 3 August, Yemeni and Emirati forces backed by a small contingent of U.S. troops launched an offensive to oust AQAP from their southern stronghold, starting with Shabwah.{{Cite news |last=Gibbons-Neff |first=Thomas |date=2021-10-26 |title=U.S. troops are on the ground in Yemen for offensive against al-Qaeda militants |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/08/04/u-s-troops-are-on-the-ground-in-yemen-for-offensive-against-al-qaeda-militants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122203436/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/08/04/u-s-troops-are-on-the-ground-in-yemen-for-offensive-against-al-qaeda-militants/ |archive-date=2023-11-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Among the fighters included the UAE-trained Shabwani Elite, local tribesmen who were assured that the Emirati Red Crescent would provide money to local communities if secured from AQAP.{{Cite web |last1=Al-Batati |first1=Saeed |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=2017-10-07 |title=Yemenis See Turning Point After Ousting Qaeda Militants in South |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/07/world/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120115929/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/07/world/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda.html |archive-date=2024-01-20 |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=The New York Times}} Major fighting reportedly did not take place as AQAP simply retreated from the governorate, letting the government establish control in many areas for the first time in multiple years by 7 August.{{Cite news |date=2017-08-04 |title=US-backed Yemeni troops 'push al-Qaeda' out of Shabwa |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40833914 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225030708/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40833914 |archive-date=2023-12-25 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2017-08-07 |title=UAE and US-backed Yemeni troops capture al-Qaeda town |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/uae-and-us-backed-yemeni-troops-capture-al-qaeda-town |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711185950/https://www.newarab.com/news/uae-and-us-backed-yemeni-troops-capture-al-qaeda-town |archive-date=2024-07-11 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The New Arab}} Among the secured areas include historic AQAP stronghold Azzan, a significant crossroads town which was seized by the group a year before.

{{Main|Abyan conflict#Al Wadea offensive}}

After securing Shabwah, pro-government forces moved to Abyan to battle AQAP forces who fled to al-Wade'a district. On 13 September, Yemeni forces entered al-Wade'a and quickly secured it by the next day as AQAP fighters reportedly fled to Muhafid district. Government forces arrested 7 AQAP members during the operation.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-14 |title=Al-Qaeda ousted from Yemen president's home district |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20170914-al-qaeda-ousted-yemen-presidents-home-district |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234511/https://www.france24.com/en/20170914-al-qaeda-ousted-yemen-presidents-home-district |archive-date=2020-11-11 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=France 24 |language=en}} On 19 September, security forces captured AQAP stronghold Mudiyah district after clashes with militants.{{Cite web |last=Hussein |first=Shukri |date=2017-10-18 |title=Commander of UAE-backed fighting force killed in Yemen |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/commander-of-uae-backed-fighting-force-killed-in-yemen/941422 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224150128/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/commander-of-uae-backed-fighting-force-killed-in-yemen/941422 |archive-date=2017-12-24 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Anadolu Agency}}{{Cite web |last=al-Yamani |first=Abu Bakr |date=2017-09-20 |title=Tribes help stabilise Abyan's liberated central districts |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2017/09/20/feature-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420010124/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2017/09/20/feature-01 |archive-date=2024-04-20 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}}

On 23 October, an AQAP attack on a military base in Mudiyah left 8 people dead. A convoy of 5 AQAP fighters with explosive belts arrived at the base and were dropped off before the vehicle exploded, killing 3 soldiers. The remaining 4 fighters were gunned down before the reached the base.{{Cite web |date=2017-10-23 |title=8 killed in south Yemen attack on military base |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20171023-8-killed-south-yemen-attack-military-base |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014826/https://www.france24.com/en/20171023-8-killed-south-yemen-attack-military-base |archive-date=2020-11-12 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

On 29 October, UAE-backed Yemeni forces captured al-Mahfad district in Abyan, a stronghold of AQAP. The district was mostly seized without conflict, though an AQAP militant drove a truck with explosive into Yemeni forces with they were entering the district, killing 1 soldier and wounding 5 others.{{Cite web |date=2017-10-30 |title=Yemen UAE-backed force recaptures al-Qaeda stronghold |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-uae-backed-force-recaptures-al-qaeda-stronghold |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417153315/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-uae-backed-force-recaptures-al-qaeda-stronghold |archive-date=2024-04-17 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The New Arab}} The operation proved to be a major blow to AQAP's activities in the south.

On 5 November, an AQAP attack in Khor Maskar district, Aden killed 5 troops. A suicide car bomb exploded outside the local security headquarters of the district, with gunmen later storming the building and destroying several documents while a suicide bomber detonated their explosive belt.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-05 |title=Twin suicide bomb attacks hit security buildings in Yemen's Aden |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/twin-suicide-bomb-attacks-hit-security-yemens-aden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421153302/https://www.newarab.com/news/twin-suicide-bomb-attacks-hit-security-yemens-aden |archive-date=2024-04-21 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The New Arab}}

On 30 January, an AQAP attack on a security checkpoint in Shabwah killed 14 soldiers and wounded multiple others. A suicide bomber had attacked a group of security forces before mortars and machine guns were fired upon them.{{Cite web |date=2018-01-30 |title=Al-Qaeda suicide bomb attack in Yemen's Shabwa kills 14 soldiers |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1235896/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416110544/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1235896/middle-east |archive-date=2022-04-16 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

{{Main|Battle of Al-Masini Valley}}

On 17 February the UAE-backed Hadhrami Elite Force with coalition air support announced Operation al-Faisal, targeting an AQAP stronghold and operations room within the Al-Masini Valley in Hadhramaut after surrounding the area a day before. The Hadhrami Elite seized the outpost on 18 February, killing 20 AQAP militants and losing 8 soldiers, along with capturing multiple AQAP members.{{Cite web |last=al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2018-02-20 |title=Hadramaut elite forces clear al-Qaeda outpost |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/20/feature-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226062909/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/20/feature-03 |archive-date=2024-02-26 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Mubarak |date=2018-02-23 |title=UAE-backed Yemen force captures Al-Qaeda stronghold |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backed-yemen-force-captures-al-qaeda-stronghold/1071776 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225071658/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backed-yemen-force-captures-al-qaeda-stronghold/1071776 |archive-date=2018-02-25 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Anadolu Agency}}

On 26 February, Shabwani Elite forces backed by UAE soldiers launched an operation against AQAP strongholds in Shabwah, securing major roads in the northern portion of the governorate on the same day.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-26 |title=UAE 'Operation Decisive Sword' begins in Yemen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180226-uae-operation-decisive-sword-begins-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520095907/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180226-uae-operation-decisive-sword-begins-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-05-20 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Middle East Monitor}} By 27 February, the Shabwani Elite had cleared as-Said district from AQAP presence.{{Cite web |last=al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2018-02-27 |title=Shabwa elite forces take on al-Qaeda remnants |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/27/feature-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002103237/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/27/feature-03 |archive-date=2023-10-02 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}}

{{Infobox military conflict

| conflict = Operation Sweeping Torrent

| partof = the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present) and
the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen

| date = 7–12 March 2018

| place = Wadi Hamara and al-Mahfad, Abyan, Yemen

| result = coalition victory

| status =

| combatant1 = {{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} AQAP

| combatant2 = {{flagicon|South Yemen}} Security Belt forces
{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

| commander1 = {{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Qasim al-Raymi
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Khalid Batarfi
{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} Abu Mohesen Basabreen{{KIA}}

| commander2 = {{flagicon|South Yemen}} Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi
{{flagicon|United Arab Emirates}} Brigadier general Musallam Al Rashidi

| units1 =

| units2 =

| strength1 = unknown

| strength2 = unknown

| casualties1 = Heavy losses (per coalition)

| casualties2 = unknown

| casualties3 =

| notes =

| campaignbox =

}}

On 7 March, Security Belt Forces with assistance from the UAE and the coalition launched Operation Sweeping Torrent to clear al-Mahfad district and Wadi Hamara, some of AQAP's last strongholds in Abyan. By 8 March, the UAE claimed to have inflicted 'heavy losses' on AQAP forces, including the death of AQAP leader Abu Mohesen Basabreen.{{Cite web |date=2018-03-08 |title=UAE 'Operation Sweeping Torrent' unleashed in Yemen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180308-uae-operation-sweeping-torrent-unleashed-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416074723/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180308-uae-operation-sweeping-torrent-unleashed-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-04-16 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Middle East Monitor}} On 10 March, the Security Belt raided several AQAP bases in al-Mahfad, arresting 6 AQAP members and seizing large supplies of weapons and munitions as hundreds of militants fled the area.{{Cite web |date=2018-03-10 |title=Arab coalition arrests six Al Qaeda members |url=http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/947e4e87-247e-4b8b-8fb5-426a35fbfbbd.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428151150/http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/947e4e87-247e-4b8b-8fb5-426a35fbfbbd.aspx |archive-date=2018-04-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf Today}} The operation concluded on 12 March, with both al-Mahfad and Wadi Hamara being captured by the Security Belt.{{Cite web |date=2018-03-12 |title=Anti-Al Qaida battle in Abyan ends |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/anti-al-qaida-battle-in-abyan-ends-1.2186523 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928000523/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/anti-al-qaida-battle-in-abyan-ends-1.2186523 |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

Operation Black Mountains

{{Main|Hadramaut insurgency#Operation Black Mountains}}

On 28 April, the Yemeni military, coalition and Hadhrami Elite launched Operation Black Mountains with the goal of seizing AQAP strongholds in rural Hadhramaut. By 29 April, Amd, Dhlia'ah, Hajr and Yabuth districts were all secured from AQAP.{{Cite web |last=Al Batati |first=Saeed |date=2018-04-29 |title=Elite forces battle Al Qaida in Hadramout, Shabwa |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/elite-forces-battle-al-qaida-in-hadramout-shabwa-1.2213416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513231834/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/elite-forces-battle-al-qaida-in-hadramout-shabwa-1.2213416 |archive-date=2024-05-13 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

{{Main|Abyan conflict#Battle of Maraqisha}}

On 10 May, a force of 500 Security Belt soldiers launched an attack on an AQAP strongholds in the al-Maraqisha mountains of Abyan. During the battle, an AQAP bombing and ambush of a Security Belt vehicle killed one and injured 11 others.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Soldier of UAE-backed security forces killed,3 injured in Abyan |url=https://en.ypagency.net/17688 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602002537/https://en.ypagency.net/17688 |archive-date=2023-06-02 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Yemen Press Agency |language=en-US}} Security Belt forces secured the mountains after AQAP had fled the area, the battle in total killing five Security Belt soldiers and injuring 19, while 6 AQAP militants were killed.{{Cite news |last1=Raghavan |first1=Sudarsan |last2=Tugnoli |first2=Lorenzo |date=2018-07-06 |title=Al-Qaeda fights on fiercely in Yemen amid escalating U.S. airstrikes under Trump |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2018/07/06/feature/as-a-u-s-shadow-war-intensifies-in-yemen-al-qaeda-is-down-but-not-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709122222/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2018/07/06/feature/as-a-u-s-shadow-war-intensifies-in-yemen-al-qaeda-is-down-but-not-out/ |archive-date=2018-07-09 |access-date=2024-09-28 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}

On 6 July, a U.S. drone strike killed seven AQAP members in Shabwah while they were travelling in a vehicle.{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2018-07-06 |title=Suspected US drone strike kills 7 al-Qaida members in Yemen |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-e80cf77fa94b4988adfcaa5c569566e1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928042617/https://apnews.com/general-news-e80cf77fa94b4988adfcaa5c569566e1 |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=AP News |language=en}} On 22 July, another U.S. drone strike in al-Rawda district, Marib, killed four AQAP members in a house.{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2018-07-22 |title=Suspected US airstrike kills 4 al-Qaida operatives in Yemen |url=https://apnews.com/article/f784a6cd9b4241ff9121f0873eeb6ddd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918091232/https://apnews.com/article/f784a6cd9b4241ff9121f0873eeb6ddd |archive-date=2024-09-18 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}

In July, AQAP's relations with the Islamic State - Yemen Province (ISY) deteriorated into open conflict. Tensions between the two groups rose after ISY had incurred significant losses and began to operate more significantly in the Qayfa area of al-Bayda, an AQAP stronghold. On 10 July, clashes broke out between AQAP and ISY in Qayfa, killing 14 AQAP fighters and 22 ISY members.{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Brian |date=2018-09-21 |title=Clashes Between Islamic State and AQAP Emblematic of Broader Competition |url=https://jamestown.org/program/clashes-between-islamic-state-and-aqap-emblematic-of-broader-competition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914050615/https://jamestown.org/program/clashes-between-islamic-state-and-aqap-emblematic-of-broader-competition/ |archive-date=2024-09-14 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}} After ISY had published a video depicting 12 AQAP members captured by the group, AQAP retaliated by attacking ISY positions in Qayfa, killing 25 and seizing ISY weapons and equipment.{{Cite web |last=al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2018-08-02 |title=Al-Qaeda, ISIS clash in Yemen's al-Bayda |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/08/02/feature-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205204930/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/08/02/feature-01 |archive-date=2023-02-05 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}} AQAP and ISY continued to publish messages attacking each other in August, with an IS-affiliated media source claiming that ISY had killed 47 AQAP fighters by mid-September. On 21 October, ISY reported an attack on AQAP that destroyed two of their vehicles and killed one of their fighters. An ISY attack on AQAP positions on 5 November reportedly destroyed an AQAP vehicle.{{Cite web |last=Hamming |first=Tore |date=2018-11-07 |title=Why Did the Jihadi Cold War in Yemen End? |url=https://warontherocks.com/2018/11/why-did-the-jihadi-cold-war-in-yemen-end/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914045113/https://warontherocks.com/2018/11/why-did-the-jihadi-cold-war-in-yemen-end/ |archive-date=2024-09-14 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US}}

On 6 August, an Associated Press investigation revealed that the Saudi-led coalition had been making secret deals with AQAP since 2016 that had them leave their strongholds without conflict. AQAP militants would retreat from the areas with their loot and equipment without being targeted, with the coalition then claiming large victories against AQAP forces. The Yemeni government and coalition see AQAP as essentially on the same side as them in the civil war, deeming the spread of the Iran-aligned Houthis as a bigger threat than the proliferation of AQAP. The report also revealed that hundreds of AQAP members had been recruited by coalition-backed militias due their reputation as exceptional fighters. AQAP membership within the coalition had gotten to the point where it was difficult to discern who was and wasn't AQAP.{{Cite web |last1=Michael |first1=Maggie |last2=Wilson |first2=Trish |last3=Keath |first3=Lee |date=2018-08-07 |title=AP Investigation: US allies, al-Qaida battle rebels in Yemen |url=https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-united-states-ap-top-news-middle-east-international-news-f38788a561d74ca78c77cb43612d50da |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919220231/https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-united-states-ap-top-news-middle-east-international-news-f38788a561d74ca78c77cb43612d50da |archive-date=2024-09-19 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}

On 24 November, AQAP attacked a military base in Abyan utilizing small arms and RPGs, killing 5 soldiers and injuring one.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-24 |title=5 UAE soldiers killed in attack in Yemen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181124-5-uae-soldiers-killed-in-attack-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912191913/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181124-5-uae-soldiers-killed-in-attack-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-09-12 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Middle East Monitor}} Two days later, a U.S. drone strike attacked an AQAP hideout in al-Quraishyah district, al-Bayda, killing 2 commanders and 4 members.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-11-26 |title=Suspected US drone strike kills 6 al-Qaida fighters in Yemen |url=https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2018/11/26/suspected-us-drone-strike-kills-6-al-qaida-fighters-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928033003/https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2018/11/26/suspected-us-drone-strike-kills-6-al-qaida-fighters-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=CityNews Vancouver |language=en}}

The Security Belt launched Operation Crushing Revenge on 9 December after uncovering an AQAP cell in the mountainous al-Fathan area of Mudiyah district, Abyan. The cell had come into al-Fathan from al-Bayda earlier in the month.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-13 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review: December 13, 2018 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-december-13-2018#_ftn2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210063618/https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-december-13-2018#_ftn2 |archive-date=2023-12-10 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Critical Threats}}{{Cite web |last=Mahmood |first=Ali |date=2018-12-12 |title=Al Qaeda commanders killed in clashes with UAE-backed forces in Yemen |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/al-qaeda-commanders-killed-in-clashes-with-uae-backed-forces-in-yemen-1.802128 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921150612/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/al-qaeda-commanders-killed-in-clashes-with-uae-backed-forces-in-yemen-1.802128 |archive-date=2023-09-21 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The National |language=en}} Due to the difficulty of the terrain and AQAP mortar fire from the top of the mountains, Security Belt forces besieged al-Fathan for three days while firing artillery in the area and slowly clearing it from AQAP forces. On 11 December, clashes within al-Fathan killed two AQAP commanders. Despite the end of the operation and capture of al-Fathan on 12 December, AQAP still held pockets of northwest Mudiyah.

A CNN investigation from 4 February revealed that the coalition had been giving US-manufactured weapons to AQAP-linked fighters. The coalition had essentially been using American weaponry as a 'form of currency' for different groups within the civil war, distributing said weapons to those who ally with them, including groups with members linked to AQAP.{{Cite web |last1=Elbagir |first1=Nima |last2=Abdelaziz |first2=Salma |last3=Abo El Gheit |first3=Mohamed |last4=Smith-Spark |first4=Laura |date=2019-02-04 |title=US arms sold to Saudi Arabia and UAE end up in wrong hands |url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/middleeast/yemen-lost-us-arms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926155458/https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/middleeast/yemen-lost-us-arms/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=CNN}}

On 7 April, UAE and Security Belt forces launched a large anti-terror military campaign to clear a number of mountains and valleys located in the Mahfad town, then a key hideout of AQAP militants. UAE-backed Yemeni security forces succeeded in seizing arms and ammunition, including hand grenades, improvised explosive devices and communication equipment and AQAP militants fled to other areas.{{cite web |title=UAE-backed Yemeni security forces raid al-Qaida hideouts in south Yemen – Xinhua | English.news.cn |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-04/08/c_137958029.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408230116/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-04/08/c_137958029.htm |archive-date=8 April 2019 |website=www.xinhuanet.com}}

AQAP's conflict with ISY in al-Bayda intensified in March and April. On 21 March, ISY claimed to have fired a rocket at AQAP positions in the Dhi Kalib al Asfal village in al-Qayfa.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-21 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - March 21, 2019 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-march-21-2019#_ftn1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012164811/https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-march-21-2019#_ftn1 |archive-date=2019-10-12 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Critical Threats}} On 24 March, the groups clashed in the al-Qayfa area, leading to multiple casualties and AQAP securing several ISY positions in Zaaj and Arar.{{Cite web |last=Nabil |first=Abdullah al-Tamimi |date=2019-03-25 |title=Al-Qaeda, ISIS clash in Yemen's al-Qayfa |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2019/03/25/feature-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401124643/http://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2019/03/25/feature-04 |archive-date=2019-04-01 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}} The same day, AQAP conducted a suicide attack on AQAP headquarters in Dhi Khalib al Asfal and attacked Jalajal and al Humayda areas in al-Qayfa.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-26 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - March 26, 2019 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-march-26-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012164742/https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-march-26-2019 |archive-date=2019-10-12 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Critical Threats}} On 27 March, ISY retook al-Humaydah in Qayfa from AQAP and claimed to have destroyed an AQAP command post in al-Quraishyah district.{{Cite web |last=Abdullah al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2019-03-28 |title=ISIS, al-Qaeda clash again in Yemen's al-Bayda |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2019/03/28/feature-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401124718/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2019/03/28/feature-03 |archive-date=2019-04-01 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}} On 1 April, ISY attacked AQAP in Dhi Kalib al Asfal, claiming to have killed or wounded 10 AQAP members.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-02 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 2, 2019 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-april-2-2019#_ftn1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912162020/https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-april-2-2019#_ftn1 |archive-date=2019-09-12 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Critical Threats}} On 18 April, AQAP attempted to mediate the conflict by offering a prisoner swap with ISY, promising to release all of their captured members.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-18 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 18, 2019 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-april-18-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919162811/https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-april-18-2019#_ftn3 |archive-date=2019-09-19 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Critical Threats}}

On 4 May, a suspected AQAP roadside bomb killed 6 civilians in Al-Qatn, Hadhramaut.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-04 |title=Six civilians killed in Yemen in suspected Al-Qaeda bombing |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1492191/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504070038/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1492191/middle-east |archive-date=2019-05-04 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 2 August, AQAP fighters stormed a Security Belt military base in al-Mahfad, Abyan, remaining for several hours before military reinforcements drove them out. The attack killed at least 19 soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-02 |title=Al-Qaeda launches deadly attack on army base in southern Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/8/2/al-qaeda-launches-deadly-attack-on-army-base-in-southern-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620151347/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/8/2/al-qaeda-launches-deadly-attack-on-army-base-in-southern-yemen |archive-date=2021-06-20 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 30 August, UAE airstrikes on AQAP in southern Yemen targeted a number of moving vehicles carrying AQAP members.{{cite web |title=UAE warplanes continue striking al-Qaida militants in southern Yemen – Xinhua | English.news.cn |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-08/30/c_138351308.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002230246/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-08/30/c_138351308.htm |archive-date=2 October 2019 |website=www.xinhuanet.com}}

On 8 September, AQAP forces seized al-Wade'a district, Abyan weeks after pro-government Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah militias arrived in the district. The capture of the district came during conflict between the Yemeni government and UAE-backed secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC).{{Cite web |date=2019-09-09 |title=Al-Qaeda seizes control of southern Yemen district |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190909-al-qaeda-seizes-control-of-southern-yemen-district/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716130329/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190909-al-qaeda-seizes-control-of-southern-yemen-district/ |archive-date=2024-07-16 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Middle East Monitor}}

Fighting in al-Bayda resumed between AQAP and ISY during August and September, with AQAP claiming to have conducted 23 attacks against ISY in al-Qayfa between 27 August and 11 September.{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Caleb |date=2019-09-11 |title=AQAP and Islamic State resume fighting in Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/09/aqap-and-islamic-state-resume-fighting-in-yemen.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629115135/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/09/aqap-and-islamic-state-resume-fighting-in-yemen.php |archive-date=2024-06-29 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}

On 10 October, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the death of AQAP chief bombmaker Ibrahim al-Asiri. Arisi had supposedly been killed some time in 2017 from an American counter-terrorism operation, though evidence for his death was inconclusive up until 2019. Arisi had been the designer for several bombs related to plots against the United States, such as the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253, with Trump stating that his death dealt a significant blow to AQAP's operations.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Elizabeth |date=2019-10-10 |title=Trump confirms death of al-Qaeda bomb maker implicated in Christmas Day attack |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-confirms-death-al-qaeda-bomb-maker-implicated/story?id=66182990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717232731/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-confirms-death-al-qaeda-bomb-maker-implicated/story?id=66182990 |archive-date=2024-07-17 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

On 31 January, The New York Times reported three U.S. officials "expressed confidence" that AQAP emir Qasim al-Raymi was killed in an airstrike on 29 January in Yalka, al-Bayda.{{cite web |date=February 2020 |title=U.S. killed a top al-Qaida leader in Yemen, reports say |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/us-killed-a-top-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen-reports-say-215555178.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201185606/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/us-killed-a-top-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen-reports-say-215555178.html |archive-date=2020-02-01 |access-date=2020-02-01 |website=www.yahoo.com}}{{Cite news |last1=Callimachi |first1=Rukmini |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |last3=Barnes |first3=Julian E. |date=2020-01-31 |title=U.S. Strikes at Leader of Qaeda in Yemen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-alrimi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427180156/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-alrimi.html |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2020-01-31 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} His death was later confirmed by the White House on 6 February{{cite web |date=7 February 2020 |title=White House says U.S. killed Qassim al-Rimi, leader of al-Qaeda in Yemen |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/white-house-says-u-s-killed-qassim-al-rimi-leader-n1132076 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213225250/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/white-house-says-u-s-killed-qassim-al-rimi-leader-n1132076 |archive-date=2020-02-13 |access-date=2020-02-13 |website=NBC News}} and by AQAP on 23 February, with Khalid Batarfi being named his successor.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-23 |title=AQAP confirms death of leader Qassim al-Rimi |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/23/aqap-confirms-death-of-leader-qassim-al-rimi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010142445/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/23/aqap-confirms-death-of-leader-qassim-al-rimi |archive-date=2020-10-10 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} The killing of al-Raymi was one of the main contributors to AQAP's decline in activity over the year.

On 21 April, Houthi forces uploaded a video claiming to have captured a base of Ansar al-Sharia in the Khasaf area of al-Jawf, amidst a wider offensive in the governorate against the Yemeni government. The video appeared to show explosive belts, ammunition, AQAP flags and documents.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-23 |title=Yemen: Houthis capture Al-Qaeda base |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200423-yemen-houthis-capture-al-qaeda-base/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426200631/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200423-yemen-houthis-capture-al-qaeda-base/ |archive-date=2020-04-26 |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=Middle East Monitor}}

{{Main|Al-Jawf offensive}}

The Houthis launched an offensive in al-Bayda governorate on 15 May as an extension of its offensive against the Yemeni government in al-Jawf. Among the goals of the offensive was reportedly to evict AQAP and ISY from the region. Due in part to their violent conflict with ISY cooling down during the year, AQAP shifted its rhetoric and attacks towards Houthi forces, attempting to attract anti-Houthi tribes in al-Bayda. By 11 August, the Houthis had been advancing rapidly towards northern al-Bayda,{{Cite web |date=2020-08-11 |title=Ansar Allah Heavy Attack In North Of Baydha And South Of Marib (Map Update) - Islamic World News |url=https://english.iswnews.com/14657/ansar-allah-heavy-attack-in-north-of-baydha-and-south-of-marib-map-update/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |language=en-US}} and by 19 August they had claimed to secure Wald Rabi' and al-Quraishyah districts.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-19 |title=Latest Updates On Baydha Front, 19 August 2020 (Map Update) - Islamic World News |url=https://english.iswnews.com/14769/latest-updates-on-baydha-front-19-august-2020-map-update/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |language=en-US}} By the end of August, the Houthis had mostly evicted AQAP out of al-Qayfa, dealing a major blow to the group's activities in the governorate and overall.{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Emile |date=2023-04-06 |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula: Sustained Resurgence in Yemen or Signs of Further Decline? |url=https://acleddata.com/2023/04/06/al-qaeda-in-the-arabian-peninsula-sustained-resurgence-in-yemen-or-signs-of-further-decline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407031240/https://acleddata.com/2023/04/06/al-qaeda-in-the-arabian-peninsula-sustained-resurgence-in-yemen-or-signs-of-further-decline/ |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=ACLED |language=en-US}}

On 15 August, AQAP killed and crucified dentist Motthar al-Youssoufi in as Sawma'ah district, al-Bayda, accusing him of spying for the U.S. government.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-16 |title=Yemeni Al-Qaeda execute dentist for 'spying' |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1720216/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817023840/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1720216/middle-east |archive-date=2020-08-17 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}} On 25 August, they destroyed his clinic with explosives.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-08-25 |title=Al-Qaeda Blows up Yemen Clinic After Executing Dentist |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2020/08/25/al-qaeda-blows-up-yemen-clinic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209104141/https://thedefensepost.com/2020/08/25/al-qaeda-blows-up-yemen-clinic/ |archive-date=2020-12-09 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Defense Post |language=en-US}}

On 2 October, coalition and Yemeni security forces conducted a raid on an AQAP hideout in al-Ghaydah, Mahra governorate. The raid killed three AQAP members and lead to the capture of two.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2020-10-02 |title=Yemen kills three Al-Qaeda militants, captures two in raid in Mahra |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1743376/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

Since being expelled from al-Qayfa due to the Houthi offensive the previous year, AQAP's activities in 2021 were largely confined to the al-Sawma'ah, Dhi Na'im and Mukayras districts in southeast al-Bayda. Despite their defeat in the governorate, nearly 60% of AQAP activities were reported to be in al-Bayda, though reports indicated that most AQAP forces had retreated into Abyan and Shabwa governorates after the offensive. AQAP's main focus on Houthi forces was continued from 2020 and, in line with their retrenchment policy, AQAP's overall activities in Yemen were the lowest since at least 2015.

A UN report released on 4 February indicated that Khalid Batarfi had been captured in a raid in al-Ghaydah from the previous year.{{Cite web |last=De Luce |first=Dan |date=2021-02-05 |title=Al Qaeda leader in Yemen in custody, U.N. confirms |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/al-qaeda-leader-yemen-custody-u-n-confirms-n1256820 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205013630/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/al-qaeda-leader-yemen-custody-u-n-confirms-n1256820 |archive-date=2021-02-05 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}} AQAP later released a video featuring Batarfi to disprove this claim.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-11 |title=Yemen al-Qaeda leader's video belies UN report of capture |url=https://thearabweekly.com/yemen-al-qaeda-leaders-video-belies-un-report-capture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211143550/https://thearabweekly.com/yemen-al-qaeda-leaders-video-belies-un-report-capture |archive-date=2021-02-11 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=The Arab Weekly}}

On 18 March, gunmen suspected to be a part of AQAP attacked a military checkpoint in Abyan, killing eight soldiers and four civilians.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=Suspected jihadists kill 12 in Yemen attack: official |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1827706/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 14 November, a U.S. drone strike on a vehicle travelling between Shabwa and al-Bayda injured an AQAP member and their wife. An additional drone strike targeted a vehicle responding to the incident, killing two suspected AQAP members and a civilian.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-14 |title=Two al-Qaeda suspects among three killed in Yemen drone strike |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/11/14/Two-al-Qaeda-suspects-among-three-killed-in-Yemen-drone-strike |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Al Arabiya}}

Since 2022, AQAP has gradually shifted its activities towards the southern portion of Yemen after failure to regroup in the north, with more than 70% of the group's activities taking place in Abyan and Shabwah. After June 2022, there have been no recorded violent interactions between Houthi forces and AQAP. This may be the realization of a possible strategic shift within the group since 2020, whereby AQAP's main targets are now the Southern Movement and the Yemeni government, rather than Houthi forces. This change in strategy may be the result of AQAP's growing influence under Saif al-Adel, a senior Egyption al-Qaeda leader based in Iran with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

On 11 February, AQAP gunmen kidnapped 5 workers a part of the UN Department of Security and Safety in Abyan. The group demanded a ransom and the release of numerous members imprisoned by the government of Yemen.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-12 |title=Yemeni Officials Say Suspected Militants Abduct 5 UN Workers |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-officials-say-suspected-militants-abduct-5-un-workers-/6439296.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212214938/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-officials-say-suspected-militants-abduct-5-un-workers-/6439296.html |archive-date=2022-02-12 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} The workers were eventually released in August 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=5 UN staff members reportedly walk free after Yemen kidnapping 18 months ago |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/5-un-staff-members-reportedly-walk-free-after-yemen-kidnapping-18-months-ago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211202554/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/5-un-staff-members-reportedly-walk-free-after-yemen-kidnapping-18-months-ago |archive-date=2023-12-11 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}

On 5 March, suspected AQAP gunmen kidnapped two Doctors Without Borders workers in Hadhramaut.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Two foreign MSF workers kidnapped in Yemen |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220306-two-foreign-msf-workers-kidnapped-in-yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=France 24 |language=en}} A raid by Yemeni security forces some time in September rescued the workers and captured the kidnappers. Four of the culprits were sentenced to death on 3 October 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Yemen to execute 4 for kidnapping aid workers |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2385321/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 15 April, a prison break occurred in Seiyun, Hadhramaut, allowing 10 AQAP members to escape. The prisoners collaborated with a few guards and AQAP militants from the outside, staging a fight before overpowering the guards and fleeing.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-04-15 |title=Yemen prison break leaves 10 Al Qaeda inmates on the run |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2022/04/15/yemen-prison-break-leaves-10-al-qaeda-inmates-on-the-run/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508160228/https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2022/04/15/yemen-prison-break-leaves-10-al-qaeda-inmates-on-the-run/ |archive-date=2022-05-08 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The National |language=en}}

On 6 May, large clashes occurred between AQAP and Security Belt forces north of Dhale. AQAP members arrested by the Security Belt refused to disarm themselves once they arrived at Security Belt headquarters, leading to a battle which killed 2 Security Belt commanders and 7 AQAP fighters.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-08 |title=Two officers, 7 Al-Qaeda militants killed in clashes in Yemen's Dhale |url=https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_71556/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508093304/https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_71556/ |archive-date=2022-05-08 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News Japan |language=en}}

On 22 June, AQAP was suspected of launching attacks in both Abyan and Shabwah Governorates that killed 10 Yemeni army soldiers altogether. An ambush on a military convoy in Abyan killed 5, while an attack on a checkpoint in Ataq, Shabwah killed another 5.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-23 |title=Suspected Al-Qaeda attacks kill at least 10 Yemeni soldiers |url=https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_74793/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630190742/https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_74793/ |archive-date=2022-06-30 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News Japan |language=en}}

On 28 June, a car bombing in Aden killed six people and injured several others. The target of the bombing was the head of security in Lahij governorate, Saleh al-Sayed. Though no group took responsibility for the attack, AQAP was suspected of conducting it.{{Cite web |title=Car bomb kills at least six in Yemen's Aden, officials say |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/29/car-bomb-kills-at-least-six-in-yemens-aden-officials-say |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

In August, the once-vaunted Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was shown to be greatly weakened when none of the group's leaders were deemed potential successors to Ayman al-Zawahiri as leader of al-Qaeda following his death.{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Colin P. |date=2 August 2022 |title=Opinion: What Ayman al-Zawahiri's death means for al-Qaida's future |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/08/02/1115154930/opinion-zawahiri-death-al-qaida-succession |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802190447/https://www.npr.org/2022/08/02/1115154930/opinion-zawahiri-death-al-qaida-succession |archive-date=2 August 2022 |access-date=2 August 2022 |publisher=NPR}} According to a UN report published in February 2023, Al-Adel is also said to have succeeded al-Zawahiri at al-Qaeda's center, likely further expanding his influence over AQAP.{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Jason |date=2023-02-14 |title=Extremist thought to be in Iran is de facto new leader of al-Qaida, UN says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/saif-al-adel-iran-de-facto-new-leader-al-qaida-united-nations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214182221/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/saif-al-adel-iran-de-facto-new-leader-al-qaida-united-nations |archive-date=2023-02-14 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

{{Main|2022 Southern Yemen offensive}}

On 22 August, the Southern Transitional Council launched Operation Arrows of the East with the goal of expelling AQAP from Abyan governorate. The operation had been launched after the conclusion of an offensive against the Yemeni government and Islah party which captured most of their territory in neighbouring Shabwah.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-23 |title=Yemeni president orders separatists to stop military operations |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/23/yemeni-president-orders-separatists-to-stop-military-operation |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} On 6 September, AQAP launched an attack on Security Belt Forces in Ahwar district which killed 21 STC soldiers and 6 AQAP fighters.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-06 |title=Yemen: 27 dead as Al-Qaeda launches attack on southern separatists |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-27-dead-al-qaeda-launches-attack-separatists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601123730/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-27-dead-al-qaeda-launches-attack-separatists |archive-date=2023-06-01 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=The New Arab}} On 11 September, STC forces reportedly took control of the al-Maraqisha mountains in Abyan and Shabwah, a historic AQAP safehaven in the south.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-11 |title=Yemen military forces drive Al-Qaeda out of new areas in Abyan, Shabwa |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2160556/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}} The same day, the STC announced the second phase of the operation with additional forces being sent to al-Wade'a, Mudiyah, Lawdar, and Ahwar districts to target AQAP strongholds in the governorate.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=STC Forces Move Farther into Abyan - The Yemen Review, September 2022 |url=https://sanaacenter.org/the-yemen-review/september-2022/18808 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 12, 2022 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-september-12-2022 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Critical Threats}} On 12 September, an AQAP IED detonated near an STC vehicle travelling in Mudiyah, killing three soldiers and injuring six.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-12 |title=Three soldiers killed in Al-Qaeda counterattacks in Yemen's Abyan |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2161141/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}} On 14 September STC forces entered Wadi Omran, east of Mudiyah district, in what was labeled as the third phase of the operation.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Southern forces enter Wadi Omran, the largest stronghold of al-Qaeda in Abyan |url=https://newsyemen.net/new/87575 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=News Yemen |language=ar}} On 18 September the STC announced that it had secured Wadi Omran, one of AQAP's last strongholds in Abyan, and captured a major base within it. The battle killed 32 STC soldiers and wounded 42, along with killing 24 AQAP members.{{Cite web |last=Hussein |first=Shukri |date=2022-09-18 |title=Yemen separatists seize al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-separatists-seize-al-qaeda-stronghold-in-abyan/2688206 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Anadolu Agency}}{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-27 |title=Yemeni forces drive Al-Qaeda from stronghold after bitter fighting |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2170576/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}} On 8 October, STC forces entered al-Mahfad district as a part of the fourth phase of their operation. On 9 October, a roadside bomb planted by AQAP detonated in Wadi Omran, leaving 4 Yemeni soldiers dead along with several others injured.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-10-09 |title=Four Yemeni soldiers killed as troops attack Al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178196/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010070559/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178196/middle-east |archive-date=2022-10-10 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}} By 10 October, al-Mahfad was reportedly secured by the STC along with Lawdar, Al-Wade'a and Mudiyah districts, with an STC spokesperson declaring the operation to be over.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-10-11 |title=Southern Forces: Abyan's "Arrows of the East" Operation is Completed |url=https://south24.net/news/newse.php?nid=2972 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=South24 Center |language=en}} On 5 November, STC forces advanced into Al-Khealah valley, an AQAP safe haven south of al-Mahfad. AQAP fled the valley without any major conflict, though a roadside bomb killed three STC soldiers and injured four.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-11-05 |title=Yemeni push forces Al-Qaeda out of Abyan valley hideout |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2194226/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

File:Yemeni_Civil_War.svg as of 3 February 2024. {{Legend|#ffffff|Controlled by Ansar al-Sharia/AQAP}}{{Legend|#cae7c4|Controlled by Supreme Revolutionary Committee}}{{Legend|#f98787|Controlled by Cabinet of Yemen}}{{Legend|#e3d975|Controlled by Southern Transitional Council}}]]On 30 January, a U.S. drone strike killed three AQAP members travelling in a car through Marib.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=Three Al-Qaida Suspects Killed in Yemen Drone Strike: Officials |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/three-al-qaida-suspects-killed-in-yemen-drone-strike-officials/6942658.html |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}

On 26 February, a U.S. drone strike killed AQAP media official Hamad bin Hamoud al-Tamimi in his home in Marib. His death was confirmed by AQAP on 5 March. Tamimi was reportedly a judge in the group as well as the head for their Shura council. The strike also killed fellow media official Abu Nasser al-Hadhrami.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-05 |title=Al-Qaeda confirms top figure killed in Yemen strike: Monitor |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/03/05/Al-Qaeda-confirms-top-figure-killed-in-Yemen-strike-Monitor- |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Arabiya}}

On 11 June, AQAP claimed responsibility for an attack on a military outpost in Shabwah which killed 2 Yemeni soldiers and wounded 3. The attack was seen as a display of strength by AQAP despite its losses from the STC operation the previous year.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-11 |title=Two Yemeni soldiers killed in Al-Qaeda attack in Shabwa |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2319816/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611191827/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2319816/middle-east |archive-date=2023-06-11 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 1 August, an AQAP attack in Wadi Omran left at least 5 STC soldiers dead and wounded another 4. The attackers utilized mortars, artillery and rocket-propelled grenades before retreating.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=5 Yemen soldiers killed in Al-Qaeda attack on Abyan |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-5-yemen-soldiers-killed-in-al-qaeda-attack-on-abyan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810043150/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-5-yemen-soldiers-killed-in-al-qaeda-attack-on-abyan/ |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Middle East Monitor}}

On 5 August, a suspected AQAP IED targeted an STC vehicle in Mudiyah, killing at least two soldiers and wounding five.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-06 |title=Two fighters affiliated with Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council killed in suspected Al-Qaeda blast |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/suspected-qaeda-blast-kills-two-separatist-fighters-yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=The New Arab}}

On 10 August, an AQAP bombing of a Security Belt convoy passing through Abyan left 3 soldiers and commander Abdullatif Al-Sayed dead.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title='Al-Qaeda' attack kills secessionist commander and three fighters in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/10/al-qaeda-attack-kills-secessionist-commander-and-three-fighters-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812003448/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/10/al-qaeda-attack-kills-secessionist-commander-and-three-fighters-in-yemen |archive-date=2023-08-12 |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 28 August, Doctors Without Borders reported that they had lost contact with two of their workers in Marib. AQAP was presumed to have kidnapped them.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-23 |title=Doctors Without Borders loses contact with two foreign staff in Yemen |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/08/28/Doctors-Without-Borders-loses-contact-with-two-foreign-staff-in-Yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Arabiya}}

On 24 September, an AQAP bomb detonated near an ambulance in al-Musaina, killing four Shabwa Defence Forces members. Hours later, AQAP carried out an attack on a Security Belt patrol near Wadi Omran, killing another four soldiers.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Eight south Yemen fighters killed in suspected Al-Qaeda attacks |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-eight-fighters-killed-suspected-al-qaeda-attacks |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=The New Arab}}

On 27 September, clashes between AQAP and the STC-affiliated Eastern Arrows Forces in Abyan killed five STC fighters and wounded three.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Five fighters from Yemen's Southern Transitional Council killed by 'Al-Qaeda militants' |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/five-secessionist-fighters-killed-al-qaeda-yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=The New Arab}}

In an announcement on 10 March, AQAP reported the death of emir Khalid Batarfi, along the selection of his successor Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki. The announcement did not provide a cause as to how Batarfi died, leading to speculation that he had died by natural causes.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-11 |title=Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch announces death of leader Khalid Batarfi |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68533649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801105144/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68533649 |archive-date=2024-08-01 |access-date=2024-09-09 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}

On 24 March, AQAP ambushed an STC patrol in Wadi Omran, triggering a firefight which killed 2 soldiers and wounded 4. The militants also burned the vehicle of the patrol group.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-25 |title=Al-Qaeda attack in Yemen kills 2 southern separatist fighters |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-attack-kills-2-southern-separatist-fighters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816194905/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-attack-kills-2-southern-separatist-fighters |archive-date=2024-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=The New Arab}}

On 29 April, an AQAP IED attack targeted an STC military vehicle in Mudiyah. The blast reportedly killed six STC soldiers and wounded 11 others.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Explosion kills 6 UAE-backed secessionists in Yemen; al-Qaeda blamed |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/explosion-kills-6-uae-backed-secessionists-yemen-al-qaeda-blamed |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

On 21 June, AQAP ambushed an STC vehicle in Abyan, leading to the death of an STC soldier and the injury of two others.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Southern Transitional Council soldier killed, 2 injured in Al-Qaeda attack in Yemen |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/southern-transitional-council-soldier-killed-2-injured-in-al-qaeda-attack-in-yemen/3255274# |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Anadolu Agency}}

On 16 August, AQAP carried out a suicide car bombing targeting a Security Belt military barracks in Mudiyah district. The attack killed 16 soldiers and injured 18.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Suicide bomber kills 16 soldiers in southern Yemen, official says |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/16/suicide-bomber-kills-16-soldiers-in-southern-yemen-official-says |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 15 October, a roadside bomb placed by AQAP killed a commander of the Shabwah Defense Forces.{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2024-10-21 |title=Soldier killed, 4 wounded in Al-Qaeda attack in Abyan province, Yemen |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2576158/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

On 19 October, AQAP fighters fired an RPG at an STC military vehicle in Mudiyah district, killing two soldiers.

On 21 October, an AQAP grenade attack in Wadi Omran killed an STC soldier and wounded two others, while also wounding two civilians.

The U.S. claimed it first used targeted killing in November 2002, with the cooperation and approval of the government of Yemen.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6FKf0ocxEPAC&pg=PA542|title=The Law of Armed Conflict: International Humanitarian Law in War|author=Gary D. Solis|isbn=978-0-521-87088-7|publisher=Cambridge University Press|pages=538–47|year=2010|access-date=19 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911202615/http://books.google.com/books?id=6FKf0ocxEPAC&pg=PA542&dq=%22targeted+killing%22&hl=en&ei=WJnrS4_NE8KB8gbTm_zQBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22targeted%20killing%22&f=false|archive-date=11 September 2011|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7nsuAAAAIBAJ&pg=2811,1484648&dq=targeted-killing&hl=en|author=Walter Pincus|title=U.S. Says Yemen Aided Missile Strike|work=The Daily Gazette|date=26 November 2002|access-date=20 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904041722/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7nsuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7YkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2811,1484648&dq=targeted-killing&hl=en|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status = live}}

A CIA-controlled high-altitude Predator drone fired a Hellfire missile at an SUV in the Yemeni desert containing Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi, a Yemeni suspected senior al-Qaeda lieutenant believed to have been the mastermind behind the October 2000 USS Cole bombing that killed 17 Americans.{{cite web|author=Nyier Abdou |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/612/re5.htm |title=Death by Predator |work=Al-Ahram Weekly |date=20 November 2002 |access-date=19 May 2010 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123030641/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/612/re5.htm |archive-date=23 January 2011 }} He was on a list of targets whose capture or death had been called for by President George W. Bush. In addition to al-Harethi, five other occupants of the SUV were killed, all of whom were suspected al-Qaeda members, and one of whom (Kamal Derwish) was an American.[https://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=https://www.nytimes.com/cfr/international/slot3_012506.html&OQ=_rQ3D1Q26pagewantedQ3Dprint&OP=61fd11a5Q2Fjv20j7bQ5C4_bbidjQ5C3_jQ26li2_lQ3BiQ26blQ3B6j46biQ2BQ7BENdpEQ3AQ23Q2Aig6 "Q&A: Targeted Killings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108190959/https://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fcfr%2Finternational%2Fslot3_012506.html&OQ=_rQ3D1Q26pagewantedQ3Dprint&OP=61fd11a5Q2Fjv20j7bQ5C4_bbidjQ5C3_jQ26li2_lQ3BiQ26blQ3B6j46biQ2BQ7BENdpEQ3AQ23Q2Aig6 |date=8 November 2021 }}, Eben Kaplan, The New York Times, 25 January 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2010.

In May 2010, an errant U.S. drone attack targeting al Qaeda members in Wadi Abida, Yemen, killed five people, including Jaber al-Shabwani, deputy governor of Maarib province.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69Q36520101027?pageNumber=1|title=Drones spur Yemenis' distrust of government and U.S.|work=Reuters|date=27 October 2010|access-date=3 November 2010|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215135850/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69Q36520101027?pageNumber=1|url-status=live}}

According to The Times, in 2010 the United States, in cooperation with Yemeni officials, launched four cruise missiles at suspected terrorist targets in Yemen. According to the Times, Yemen asked the United States to suspend the strikes after one of the missiles killed a pro-Yemeni tribal leader, Sheikh Jaber al-Shabwani, the deputy governor of Marib province, resulting in his tribe turning against the Yemeni government. The Times also stated that U.S. special forces troops were on the ground in Yemen helping to hunt al-Qaeda operatives.Tomlinson, Hugh, Michael Evans, and Iona Craig, "US Attacks Al-Qaeda in Yemen", The Times, 9 December 2010.

On 3 June 2011, American manned jets or drones attacked and killed Abu Ali al-Harithi, a midlevel al-Qaeda operative, as well as several other militant suspects in a strike in southern Yemen. Four civilians were also reportedly killed in the strike. The strike was reportedly coordinated by American special forces and CIA operatives based in Sana.Mazzetti, Mark, "U.S. Is Intensifying A Secret Campaign of Yemen Airstrikes", The New York Times, 9 June 2011. According to the Associated Press, in 2011 the U.S. government began building an airbase in the middle east from which the CIA and the U.S. military plan to operate drones over Yemen.Associated Press, "Secret CIA drone base being built to target Yemen militants", Japan Times, 16 June 2011, p. 1. On 30 September 2011, Anwar al-Awlaki was targeted by a US drone strike which successfully killed him, Samir Khan and a few other militants while they were all in the same car driving to get breakfast.

• Islamic terrorism
• Hindu terrorism
• Violence against Muslims in independent India

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{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/03/26/GCC-states-to-repel-Houthi-aggression-in-Yemen-statement-.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|title=Saudi warplanes bomb Houthi positions in Yemen|date=25 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125058/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/03/26/GCC-states-to-repel-Houthi-aggression-in-Yemen-statement-.html |archive-date=2 April 2015}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101109044839/http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-476/_nr-1282/i.html Al-Qaeda in Yemen: Renaissance of Terror]
• [http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/2/after_thwarted_bomb_plot_us_military After Thwarted Bomb Plot, US Military Operations in Yemen Could Intensify] - video report by Democracy Now!
• {{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/al-qaeda-in-yemen/|title=Al Qaeda in Yemen|author=Ghaith Abdul-Ahad |author-link=Ghaith Abdul-Ahad|date=29 May 2012|work=Frontline|publisher=WGBH Educational Foundation}}

{{Militant Islamism in the Middle East}}

{{Al-Qaeda}}

{{War on Terrorism}}

{{Terrorism in Yemen}}

{{Yemen topics}}

{{Post-Cold War Asian conflicts}}

Category:Rebellions in Yemen

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