Hadramaut insurgency

On 24 April, UAE forces, along with Hadi loyalists, and Southern Movement fighters, attacked the de facto capital of Al-Qaeda forces in Yemen, Mukalla, and managed to recapture it after a day of fierce fighting. After that, most of AQAP forces withdrew to Abyan Governorate.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/04/25/800-al-Qaeda-fighters-killed-in-Yemen-offensive.html|title=800 al-Qaeda fighters killed in Yemen offensive|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=24 April 2016|access-date=11 April 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/yemeni-troops-advance-into-al-mukalla-1461568822|title=Yemeni Troops Retake al Qaeda-Controlled City|first1=Saleh|last1=al-Batati|first2=Asa|last2=Fitch|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=25 April 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|via=www.wsj.com}}

One day after the AQAP withdrawal, AQAP fighters attacked 37th brigade, loyal to Hadi in Hadramaut Valley, which killed several AQAP fighters and wounded 5 loyalists.{{cite web|url=http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=396022|title= اشتباكات عنيفة بين الجيش والقاعدة في وادي حضرموت|trans-title=Violent clashes between the army and Al-Qaeda in Wadi Hadramaut|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306171634/http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12|archive-date=6 March 2014|url-status=usurped|language=ar}} On April 27, most of the AQAP forces of Hadramaut, arrived in Zinjibar.{{cite web|url=http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=396036|title=مسلحو القاعدة الفارين من المكلا يصلون زنجبار|trans-title=Al-Qaeda militants fleeing Mukalla arrive in Zinjibar|language=ar|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306171634/http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12|archive-date=6 March 2014|url-status=usurped}} Five days after the AQAP withdrawal, on April 30, Saudi coalition and Hadi loyalists tracked down AQAP fighters in the city of Qoton, just outside of Mukalla, and took over a camp that was in their control. Eight AQAP fighters were captured during the Qoton raid.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/yemen-govt-forces-seize-qaeda-military-camp|title=Yemen govt forces seize Qaeda military camp - The National|access-date=14 June 2017}}

On May 4, a southern Movement fighter was killed, and another wounded, and 5 AQAP fighters were captured in a military raid in Ash Shihr district. One of the captured, was Sorour al-Obeidi, Emir of Ash Shihr.{{cite web|url=http://adenghd.net/news/203744/|title=استشهاد احد أفراد المقاومة الجنوبية بالشحر في عملية دهم لمنزل عناصر من القاعدة وضبط مطلوبين بينهم قيادي في القاعدة|trans-title=A member of the Southern Resistance was martyred in Ash Shihr during a raid on the home of Al Qaeda members and the arrest of wanted persons, including an Al Qaeda leader.|author=|website=adenghd.net|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On May 9, the unit of a Southern Movement commander, Omar bin Shikhan, arrested a leader of AQAP allied Hadrami Domestic council, named Abdullah al-Yazidi, and one of his aids.{{cite web|url=http://www.almashhad-alyemeni.com/news75078.html|title=قيادي في الحراك الجنوبي يعتقل الشيخ السلفي " عبدالله اليزيدي " من مدينة المكلا - المشهد اليمني|trans-title=A leader in the Southern Movement arrests the Salafi Sheikh "Abdullah Al-Yazidi" from the city of Mukalla - Al-Mashad Al-Yemeni|website=www.almashhad-alyemeni.com|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=16 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916140358/http://www.almashhad-alyemeni.com/news75078.html|url-status=dead|language=ar}} One day later, another mam, leader of Council of Sunni Scholars and al Jama'a, Ahmad bin Raoud, was arrested.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/81559|title=اعتقال قياديين سلفيين في حضرموت أحدهما للتحقيق معه من قبل قوات إماراتية|trans-title=Two Salafi leaders arrested in Hadhramaut, one of them for investigation by Emirati forces|author=|date=10 May 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} Also, on the same day, Brigadier General of the Second Military District in Hadramaut, Faraj Salman al Bahsani claimed that government military forces arrested 30 AQAP members and found and cleared 20 vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices Mukalla district, Ash Shihr district, and Ghayl Ba Wazir district and seized AQAP weapons and documents, including lists of officials targeted for assassination. Al Bahsani stated that military forces seized at least four arms caches left behind by AQAP after coalition forces recaptured al Mukalla on April 24. On May 11, a militant possibly from AQAP, detonated himself targeting the convoy of Yemeni First Military District Commander, Major General Abdul Rahman al Halili, near al Qatan. The attack wounded al Halili and 15 others, and killed 5 soldiers and two civilians.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/81587|title=تفاصيل جديدة: إصابة قائد المنطقة العسكرية الأولى و15 آخرين ومقتل 7 بينهم مدنيين|trans-title=New details: The commander of the First Military Region and 15 others were injured, and 7 were killed, including civilians|author=|date=11 May 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On 13 May, Hadi government said that it captured more than 250 AQAP fighters after the battle, including a leader, 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|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=12 May 2016|access-date=11 April 2018}}

On May 12, fighters belonging to ISIL, in coordination with AQAP forces conducted an assault in the port of Khalaf in near Mukalla. The assault began when an ISIL suicide bomber, named Hamza Al Muhajir exploded in a naval base in Khalaf, killing 13 and wounding at least 15. A second suicide bomber struck inside the base, and a third reportedly targeted the home of Second Military District Commander Faraj Salmin, who escaped unharmed. Government forces clashed with militants outside the base in the aftermath of the attacks. ISIL claimed the SVBIED attack that targeted forces at the naval base checkpoint, but the other two attacks remain unclaimed. Government sources attributed the attack at the checkpoint to AQAP.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0Y30XM|title=Islamic State attack kills 10 in Yemen's Mukalla before PM visit|author=|access-date=11 April 2018|newspaper=Reuters|date=2016-05-12}}{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/suicide-attack-kills-13-troops-near-al-mukalla-1.1826627|title=Suicide attack kills 13 troops near Al Mukalla|author=|date=12 May 2016|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/13-yemeni-troops-killed-in-isil-claimed-attack-on-naval-base-near-mukalla|title=13 Yemeni troops killed in ISIL-claimed attack on naval base near Mukalla - The National|access-date=14 June 2017}}

{{main|May 2016 Yemen police bombings}}

On 15 May 2016, a suicide bomber of ISIL, named Abu al-Bara al-Ansari, exploded himself in the city's police station killing 41 police recruits, and 6 army guards of Hadramaut security chief, General Mubarak al-Oubthani. al-Oubthani was injured, along with more than 60 other police and soldiers.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/15/at-least-37-police-killed-in-bomb-attacks-on-yemen-port-city-rec/|title=At least 47 police killed in bomb attacks on Yemen port city recaptured from al-Qaeda|access-date=15 July 2016|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=2016-05-15|agency=Agence France-Presse}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/25-yemen-police-recruits-killed-suicide-bombing-claimed-090355780.html|title=IS bombs kill 47 Yemen police in former Qaeda bastion|access-date=15 July 2016|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012101757/https://www.yahoo.com/news/25-yemen-police-recruits-killed-suicide-bombing-claimed-090355780.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-blast-idUSKCN0Y607F|title=Islamic State Yemen suicide bomber kills 25 police recruits: medics|date=15 May 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/15/at-least-37-police-killed-in-bomb-attacks-on-yemen-port-city-rec/|title=At least 47 police killed in bomb attacks on Yemen port city recaptured from al-Qaeda|access-date=14 June 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=2016-05-15|agency=Agence France-Presse}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/25-yemen-police-recruits-killed-suicide-bombing-claimed-090355780.html|title=IS bombs kill 47 Yemen police in former Qaeda bastion|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012101757/https://www.yahoo.com/news/25-yemen-police-recruits-killed-suicide-bombing-claimed-090355780.html|url-status=dead}}

On May 20, a US drone strike, killed two AQAP officials in Al Abr district. According to a tribal source, the air strike targeted the vehicle carrying two members of the Mahashma tribe, Ali Rafsan al-Awbashi and Mubarak Salem Qaisl al-Hawair.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/81761|title=طائرة أميركية بدون طيّار تستهدف اثنين من المشتبهين بانتمائهم لتنظيم القاعدة في العبر|trans-title=US drone targets two suspected al-Qaeda members in Al-Abr|author= علي العنثري|date=19 May 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On May 22, Hadi loyalist forces conducted a raid in an AQAP bastion little outside of Mukalla, that killed 13 fighters. An hour after the raid, 3 additional AQAP fighters were killed when they blew up a bomb they were preparing to use, near the place of the raid.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/05/war-yemen-13-al-qaeda-fighters-killed-mukalla-160522121341333.html|title=War in Yemen: 13 al-Qaeda fighters killed in Mukalla|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=14 June 2017}} On June 3, Hadrami elite forces captured an Al-Qaeda cell inside Mukalla. Three of the men captured were explosive experts from Pakistan. On June 6, suspected AQAP militants riding a motorcycle assassinated army officer.

{{main|June 2016 Mukalla attacks}}

On June 28, there were at least seven separate attacks in Mukalla.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/yemen-attacks-kill-43-as-government-and-houthis-move-to-break-off-talks|title=Yemen attacks kill 43 as government and Houthis move to break off talks|author=|website=TheGuardian.com|date=28 June 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}} The attacks targeted fasting Yemeni soldiers during Ramadan, not long before they were about to break their fasting.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/yemen-suicide-attacks-kill-soldiers-mukalla-160627193459789.html|title=Suicide attacks kill fasting Yemeni soldiers in Mukalla|access-date=2 July 2016}} The attack not only killed soldiers, but also civilians, who were mostly passers-by. The first attack was a suicide bombing. It occurred when a suicide bomber blew himself up after he asked soldiers if he could eat with them. Two suicide bombers were involved in the second attack. They also approached soldiers before blowing themselves up in two separate attacks. The fourth attack occurred when two more suicide bombers blew themselves up at the entrance to an army camp.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/42-dead-in-yemen-suicide-attacks-claimed-by-isis-116062800083_1.html|title=42 dead in Yemen suicide attacks claimed by ISIS|author=|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=28 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016}} Another suicide bomber forced his way into an area where soldiers were preparing to break their fast and eat. He blew himself up and caused a substantial amount of damage. Other bombings occurred when attackers posed as distributors for Iftar, handing out food before blowing themselves up. Other attacks are also said to have occurred when militants hid bombs in food boxes, and other militants also stormed a police station. Gun-battles broke out throughout the city. ISIL claimed responsibility. All of the attacks killed more than 43 Hadi loyals, and injured 37 people.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/is-bombings-in-yemen-kill-38/news-story/2ffa7d4f168ae5401a304fa85d9a2bfe|title=Saudi-led airstrike kills 25 in Yemen|access-date=2 July 2016|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012075844/http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/is-bombings-in-yemen-kill-38/news-story/2ffa7d4f168ae5401a304fa85d9a2bfe|url-status=dead}}

On July 18, two suicide bombers targeted government checkpoints manned by soldiers loyal to President Hadi in al Ghabr and al Burum districts, al Mukalla city, killing 16 soldiers, and wounding another 34. Four civilians were also killed. On July 29, military commanders of Hadramaut loyal to Hadi, called for AQAP and ISIL fighters to surrender themselves to coalition and local authorities in a time period of two weeks, and if they do so, they will be pardoned and be given general amnesty.{{cite web|url=http://adenghd.net/news/214508/|title=قيادة المنطقة العسكرية الثانية تدعو عناصر القاعدة وداعش لتسليم أنفسهم خلال أسبوعين|trans-title=The Second Military Region Command calls on Al-Qaeda and ISIS elements to surrender themselves within two weeks|author=|website=adenghd.net|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}

On August 2, AQAP forces attempted a major assault to retake they former capital, Mukalla, but Hadi government security forces and Saudi-led coalition forces disrupted the coordinated attack. AQAP militants attempted to attack the port with artillery and machine guns, while others approached the port by boats. Hadi-allied forces arrested some of the attackers, but others escaped. On September 20, Hadi loyalists arrested a man who acted as a judge for AQAP during their reign in Mukalla, but did not disclosed his name.{{cite web|url=http://adengd.net/news/221186/#.V-EsGvkrK00|title=مصدر : قاض بتنظيم القاعدة في قبضة الجيش بحضرموت|trans-title=Source: Al-Qaeda judge in the hands of the army in Hadhramaut|author=|website=adengd.net|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On October 11, forces loyal to Hadi crushed a major Southern Movement demonstration in Mukalla, that called of independence in Southern Yemen.{{cite web|url=http://adenghd.net/news/224586/#.V_z7zY8rK01|title=بعد قمعهم لوقفة احتجاجية .. متظاهرون بالمكلا يحرقون صور بن دغر و بن بريك|trans-title=After suppressing a protest, demonstrators in Mukalla burn pictures of Bin Dagher and Bin Braik|author=|website=adenghd.net|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On October 21, a suspected US aircraft, targeted two AQAP officials in Wadi Obeida, Ma'rib Governorate on October 21. The airstrike killed 5 fighters, including Abdullah Hassan Bamatarif and Hussein Alawi al Majoh, two members of the AQAP's Sons of Hadramaut, the local branch of AQAP that operated and still, operates in Hadramaut and Mukalla.{{cite web|url=http://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/987787/terrorists-killed-in-us-strike/|title=Terrorists killed in U.S. strike|access-date=14 June 2017}} On 28 October, Hadi loyalists thwarted an assassination attempt on the life of General Faraj Salman al Bahsani.{{cite web|url=http://adengd.net/news/227070/#.WBNFtpMrKEJ|title=مصادر : إحباط محاولة اغتيال كانت تستهدف قائد المنطقة العسكرية الثانية بالمكلا|trans-title=Sources: Thwarting an assassination attempt targeting the commander of the Second Military Region in Mukalla|author=|website=adengd.net |access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804113018/http://adengd.net/news/227070/#.WBNFtpMrKEJ|archive-date=2017-08-04|language=ar}} On November 1, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated the al Omgy and Brothers Money Exchange and the company's two owners, Said Salih Abd Rabbuh al Omgy and Muhammed Salih Abd Rabbuh al Omgy, as members and financial supporters of AQAP. The U.S. Treasury, in conjunction with the UAE, blocked al Omgy Exchange and the al Omgy brothers' assets, property, and access to the American and Emirati financial sectors. AQAP used al Omgy Exchange for financial transactions beginning in December 2013. Said al Omgy fund-raised and recruited Yemenis to join the Iraqi insurgency in 2005. The al Omgy brothers are based in Mukalla.{{cite web|url=https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0601.aspx|title=Treasury Designates Financial Supporters of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula|website=www.treasury.gov|access-date=14 June 2017}}

On November 8, Hadrami Elite Forces, clashed with AQAP militants in western al Mukalla City, killing six AQAP militants, and capturing another 4. Saudi-led coalition warplanes supported the elite forces during the clashes.{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-november-8-2016#_ftn2|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - November 8, 2016|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} On November 9, the Hadrami Elite forces attacked AQAP militants in al Bahish grove near Mayfa'a Hajar town, southwest of al Mukalla city, with support of Saudi-led coalition warplanes. Hadrami Elite forces raided the AQAP stronghold following intelligence reports indicating that AQAP militants were regrouping in al Bahish grove. The clash lasted almost one full day. The military source claimed that Hadrami forces killed more than 30 AQAP militants and suffered four casualties. One day later however, AQAP statements said that claims that Hadrami Elite forces killed more than 20 AQAP militants in al Bahish grove, were untrue, and claimed that killed 28 Hadrami fighters and reported that Saudi-led coalition Apaches killed three AQAP militants. Social media accounts also claimed that AQAP has recovered from its withdrawal from Yemen's coastal cities and has reconstituted.{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-november-10-2016#_ftn1|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - November 10, 2016|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} One day after the clashes, Hadrami elite managed to track down the assailants, and captured 11 of them. On November 30, a US drone strike, killed 3 AQAP fighters in Al Abr district.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1037112/yemen-strikes-kill-28-al-qaida-terrorists/|title=Yemen Strikes Kill 28 Al-Qaida Terrorists|access-date=14 June 2017}} On December 8, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on two Yemeni citizens and a Yemeni-based charity for financially supporting AQAP. Al Hasan Ali Ali Abkar is an AQAP commander for Ma'rib and al Jawf governorates who has been affiliated with the AQAP since 2015. Abdallah Faysal Sadiq al Ahdal is a senior tribal leader in Hadramawt governorate who participated in an AQAP cell in Ash Shahir, Hadramawt and has supported AQAP since 2009. Al Ahdal was also the president of the Rahmah Charitable Organization, which is located in Ash Shahir and has acted as a front to finance AQAP.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-terrorism-idUSKBN13W22G|title=U.S. sanctions two Yemenis, charity tied to al Qaeda in Yemen|date=7 December 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0673.aspx|title=Treasury Designates Key Facilitators and Front Company Providing Support to Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula|website=www.treasury.gov|access-date=14 June 2017}} On December 27, AQAP fighters ambushed the director general of the Shibam district in Shibam, Faraj Naji, wounding him, and killing two of his aids, his brother, Saleh Faraj Naji, and his cousin.{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/58359/|title=محاولة اغتيال لمدير عام مديرية شبام تسفر عن قتل اثنين من مرافقيه ( محدث )|trans-title=An assassination attempt on the Director General of Shibam District results in the killing of two of his companions (Updated)|website=adnlng.com|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}

Civilians protested around al Mukalla airport, on January 9, 2017 in response to alleged arbitrary detentions conducted by the Hadhrami Elite Forces. The Hadhrami Elite Force, reportedly accused the detainees of terrorist activities. Protesters are calling on the UAE to ensure the release of innocent detainees. Yemeni officials have released contradictory statements that refused to provide evidence for the suspects' detention and at times denied the existence of the detainees. Tribal militias also blocked the main road connecting Ataq, Shabwah Governorate with Mukalla to protest the detentions.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/87839|title=قبليون يقطعون طريق الوديعة مارب لمطالبة السلطات الإفراج عن اثنين من المحتجزين|trans-title=Tribesmen block Al-Wadiah-Marib road to demand the authorities release two detainees|author=|date=8 January 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}{{cite web|url=http://almawqea.net/news/15371#.WUEDlsYlHIW|title=وقفة احتجاجية واعتصام لأسر المعتقلين قرب مطار الريان بالمكلا للمطالبة بالإفراج عن أقاربهم (صور)|trans-title=Protest and sit-in by families of detainees near Al-Rayyan Airport in Al-Mukalla to demand the release of their relatives (photos)|author=|website=almawqea.net|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On March 3, 2017, suspected AQAP forces assaulted a checkpoint manned by tribesmen loyal to Hadi in Daw'an district, killing 4, and wounding 2, and later retreating unharmed.{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/63626/|title=مقتل 4 افراد من حراسة نقطة خيلة الأمنية بدوعن إثر هجوم مسلح|trans-title=4 members of the Khayla security checkpoint in Daw'an killed in an armed attack|website=adnlng.com|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On March 14, a US drone strike, killed two AQAP officials, who were also poets, named Abu Jandal al-Hadrami and Abu Hashem al Sharuri, in Al Abr district. On March 15, AQAP forces attacked Hadrami Elite forces in Adh Dhlia'ah district, wounding 3, and later retreating unharmed.{{cite web|url=http://www.mukalla-now.com/2017/03/3_15.html|title=هجوم مسلح لعناثر القاعدة على مركز الأمن بمديرية الضليعة في حضرموت وإصابة 3 جنود|trans-title=Armed attack by Al-Qaeda elements on the security center in Al-Dhalea District in Hadhramaut, injuring 3 soldiers|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On March 27, Hadrami Elit forces captured the deputy of AQAP leader Qasim al-Raymi, who also acted as the Emir of Hadramaut for AQAP, Abu Ali al Sayari, in central Hadramaut. 3 of his aid were also captured, and 2 more were killed, including an official, Hathifa al Ghili.{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/65433/|title=عملية نوعية للنخبة الحضرمية تنتهي باعتقال الرجل الثاني بتنظيم القاعدة في المحافظة|trans-title=A qualitative operation by the Hadrami elite ends with the arrest of the second man in Al-Qaeda in the province|website=adnlng.com|language=ar |access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npa-ar.com/16570/%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A/|title=إعتقال أبو علي السياري القبض علي قيادي بارز في تنظيم القاعدة سعودي الاصل|trans-title=Arrest of Abu Ali Al-Siyari, a prominent leader in Al-Qaeda of Saudi origin|language=ar|date=28 March 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=4 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804020016/https://www.npa-ar.com/16570/%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-march-28-2017#_ftn2|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - March 28, 2017|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} On April 22, another AQAP commander captured in Mukalla by Hadrami Elit forces, named Ahmed Said Awad Barhamah, who was also known as Zarqawi, a reference to the Abu Muzab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The man, acts and acted as the Emir of ruler of Mukalla for AQAP.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/90605|title=قوات التحالف ومكافحة الإرهاب في الجيش اليمني تعتقل قيادات بتنظيم القاعدة في المكلا|trans-title=Coalition forces and counter-terrorism forces in the Yemeni army arrest Al-Qaeda leaders in Al-Mukalla|author=صنعاء|date=22 April 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}{{cite web|url=https://jamestown.org/brief/aqap-denies-arrest-hadramawt-leaders/|title=AQAP Denies Arrest of Its Hadramawt Leaders - Jamestown|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://sabanew.net/viewstory.php?id=16356|title=اعتقال عدداً من عناصر وقيادات تنظيم القاعدة بحضرموت|trans-title=Arrest of a number of Al-Qaeda elements and leaders in Hadhramaut|website=sabanew.net|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/24-Apr-2017/arab-coalition-forces-detain-top-qaeda-leaders|title=Arab coalition forces detain top Qaeda leaders|access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}} On 23 April, AQAP militants attacked Hadhrami Elite Forces Daw'an district, killing 2. meanwhile, residents of al Mukalla city, celebrated the one year anniversary of the city's liberation from AQAP on April 24.{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-april-25-2017#_ftn3|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 25, 2017|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} On May 3, Hadramaut Governor Ahmed bin Breik threatened to secede from the Yemeni government led by President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi if the government fails to achieve peace with the al Houthi-Saleh bloc. Bin Brik's May 3 statement coincides with ongoing protests in Aden against President Hadi's decision to remove Aden governor Aydarus al Zubaidi, a senior leader in the Southern Movement.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-emirates-idUSKBN17Z0LW|title=UAE builds up Yemen regional army but country fragments|date=3 May 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-may-5-2017#_ftn1|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - May 5, 2017|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} Between May 5 and May 7, fighting erupted in Daw'an district, between AQAP and Hadrami Elite forces, which resulted in the seizure of the district from AQAP, and the destruction of an army camp in the area. No reports of casualties emerged.{{cite web|url=http://adengad.net/news/258332/|title=قوات تابعة لنخبة حضرموت تدخل وادي حضرموت وتسيطر على مديرية دوعن|trans-title=Hadramout Elite Forces Enter Hadramout Valley and Take Control of Daw'an district|author=|website=adengad.net|language=ar|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/68530/|title=قوات النخبة الحضرمية تصل وادي دوعن وتبدأ بالانتشار .|trans-title=Hadrami elite forces arrive in Wadi Doan and begin deploying.|website=adnlng.com |access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}{{cite web|url=http://adengad.net/news/258254/|title=هجوم للقاعدة يستهدف معسكرا للجيش بوادي حضرموت|trans-title=Al-Qaeda attack targets army camp in Hadramaut Valley|author=|website=adengad.net|language=ar|access-date=14 June 2017}} On May 10, an AQAP suicide bomber exploded himself in Daw'an, killing more than 1 Hadrami Elite and wounding another 7.{{cite tweet|number=862295966073925634|user=Dr_E_Kendall|title=#Yemen: Suicide car bomb reportedly...|access-date=14 June 2017|date=10 May 2017}} On May 12, was reported that forces loyal to Hadi, mobilized in Al Abr district, to counter the STC loyal Hadrami Elite forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-may-12-2017#_ftn1|title=Gulf of Aden Security Review - May 12, 2017|website=Critical Threats|access-date=14 June 2017}} On May 18, the governor of Hadramaut accused the Hadi loyalists in the region, of supporting AQAP.{{cite web|url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/91279|title=محافظ حضرموت يهاجم الحكومة الشرعية ويتهم المنطقة العسكرية الأولى بالتواطؤ مع الإرهابيين|trans-title=Hadramout Governor attacks legitimate government, accuses First Military Region of colluding with terrorists|author=|language=ar|date=18 May 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://adenghd.net/news/259996/|title=بن بريك :القاعدة بحضرموت تدعمها الحكومة الشرعية والحل باقليمين شمالي وجنوبي|trans-title=Bin Braik: Al-Qaeda in Hadhramaut is supported by the legitimate government and the solution is in two regions, north and south|author=|website=adenghd.net|language=ar |access-date=14 June 2017}} On May 23, 18 jailed men accused of supporting AQAP were released by an order of Hadramaut governor.{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/69560/|title=محافظ حضرموت يوجه بالإفراج عن عدد من الموقوفين على قضايا الإرهاب ومنحهم فرصة لمراجعة أنفسهم والاندماج في المجتمع|trans-title=Hadramout Governor directs the release of a number of detainees on terrorism charges and gives them a chance to review themselves and integrate into society|website=adnlng.com|language=ar|access-date=14 June 2017}}

On June 12, AQAP forces attacked the Hadrami Elite forces base in Daw'an, and heavy fighting commenced. The Hadrami Elite force stated that they killed more than 10 AQAP fighters, and captured dozens more, but two of its soldiers were killed, and 16 were wounded. The Hadrami officials stated that "attackers set off two car bombs outside the camp, but our soldiers foiled the attack and managed to secure the camp and we are still pursuing those who have escaped in nearby farms," the official told Reuters by phone.{{cite web| 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 = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170804013159/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-06-12/suspected-al-qaeda-militants-attack-yemen-army-camp-12-dead-military-official| archive-date = 2017-08-04| title = Al Qaeda Claims Yemen Army Camp Attack That Killed 12 }}{{cite web|url=http://adnlng.com/news/71036/|title=عاجل:انفجار عنيف يهز معسكر بضه بوادي حضرموت يعقبه اشتباكات عنيفة|trans-title=Urgent: A violent explosion rocks Badah camp in Hadramaut Valley, followed by violent clashes|website=adnlng.com |access-date=14 June 2017|language=ar}}

On February 17, 2018 Hadrami Elite Forces, backed by heavy UAE aerial support, launched Operation Al Faisal, an offensive to retake Al-Masini Valley from AQAP militants. The offensive began when Hadrami Elite Forces launched a preemptive attack from three directions, that laid siege to all AQAP militants in the valley. On February 18 Hadrami Elite Forces had entered the valley and begun to slowly liberate all areas in and around the valley. After fierce fighting for 48 hours, AQAP militants retreated from the valley and Hadramai forces gained full control over an operation room that was run by AQAP militants in the valley and confiscated the equipment and ammunition used by the terror group in carrying out its criminal operations. The governor of Hadhramaut, Major General Faraj al-Bahsani declared that the operation was a success and that others like it, will follow until the region was fully rid of AQAP. Furthermore, while combing the area, large caches of ammunition, including mortar guns and missiles were found and the Yemeni forces secured the entire zone by staging military posts and patrol units across the surrounding plateaus to preempt any counter offensives by the terrorists.{{cite web|url=http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=521644|title=الإعلان عن تطهير آخر معاقل القاعدة في حضرموت|trans-title=Announcing the cleansing of the last Al-Qaeda strongholds in Hadramaut|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306171634/http://www.barakish.net/news.aspx?cat=12|archive-date=6 March 2014|url-status=usurped|language=ar}}{{cite web|url=http://alwatanalarabi.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B5%D9%84-%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B7-119915/|title=التحالف العربي يطلق "عملية الفيصل" لتطهير حضرموت|trans-title=Arab coalition launches "Operation Faisal" to cleanse Hadhramaut|date=18 February 2018|access-date=11 April 2018|language=ar|website=alwatanalarabi.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sabanew.net/viewstory.php?id=29242|title=Armed forces purge al-Qaeda from Mesinivalley of Hadhramout|website=sabanew.net|language=ar|access-date=11 April 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/2b37a888-761f-4291-886a-26387f67ba95.aspx|title=Supporter by UAE, Arab Coalition starts 'Al Faisal Operation' against Al Qaeda strongholds|website=gulftoday.ae|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408180531/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/2b37a888-761f-4291-886a-26387f67ba95.aspx|archive-date=8 April 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/826387|publisher=Bahrain News Agency|title=Coalition begins to sweep Al Qaeda from Hadramaut|website=www.bna.bh|access-date=11 April 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://almasdaronline.com/article/print/97127 |title=Arab Coalition starts 'Al Faisal Operation' against al 'Qaeda' strongholds |access-date=2018-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090228/http://almasdaronline.com/article/print/97127 |archive-date=2018-02-19 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.skynewsarabia.com/web/article/1022922/%D8%A7%D9%95%D8%AD%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%94%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%94%D9%88%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D8%B6%D8%B1%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AA|title=إحكام السيطرة على أهم أوكار القاعدة في حضرموت|trans-title=Tight control over the most important Al-Qaeda dens in Hadhramaut|language=ar|access-date=11 April 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1471458/clashes-leave-27-dead-yemen-troops-target-al-qaeda|title=Clashes leave 27 dead as Yemen troops target Al-Qaeda|access-date=11 April 2018}}{{cite web| url = http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302669558| website = Emirates News Agency|title=Yemen's Wadi Al Masini liberated from Al Qaeda| date = 22 February 2018}}

On 28 April, the Yemeni Army announced "Operation Black Mountains" against Al-Qaeda in the northern areas of Hadramaut.{{cite web|url=https://en.26sepnews.net/2018/04/28/army-launches-black-mountains-operation-against-al-qaeda/|title=Army launches "Black Mountains" operation against al-Qaeda|date=28 April 2018}} On 29 April 2018, the Yemeni military units backed by the United Arab Emirates reported recapturing the Amed, Dhalia, Hajer, and Yabouth districts from Al-Qaeda.{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/elite-forces-battle-al-qaida-in-hadramout-shabwa-1.2213416|title=Elite forces battle Al Qaida in Hadramout, Shabwa|date=29 April 2018}}

• Outline of the Yemeni crisis, revolution, and civil war (2011–present)
• Timeline of the Yemeni crisis (2011–present)

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Yemeni Civil War (2015)}}

{{Middle East conflicts}}

{{Yemen topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hadramaut Insurgency}}

Category:Battles involving Yemen

Category:2016 in Yemen

Category:Military operations of the Yemeni civil war (2014–present)

Category:Conflicts in 2016

Category:Conflicts in 2017

Category:Conflicts in 2018

Category:Conflicts in 2019

Category:Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Yemen

Category:Hadhramaut Governorate in the Yemeni civil war (2014–present)

Category:Insurgencies in Asia

Category:Islamist insurgencies