Abyan: Yemen forces backed by Arab coalition forces have concluded Operation Sweeping Torrent, which was aimed at purging Abyan of remnants of Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants. The Security Belt and Rapid Intervention Forces, supported by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, said the operation was a great success in record time.
Al Mahafad Directorate and Wadi Hamara were cleared of AQAP militants and Yemeni forces were able to clear the sites of AQAP and take control of Al Mahfad, the largest directorate in Abyan Governorate, and the 25 km-Wadi Hamara, dealing a heavy blow to the terrorist organisation in its last stronghold in Abyan Governorate south of Yemen. The militants fled en masse.
‘Operation Sweeping Torrent’ was aimed at expunging the militants from Al Muhafad Directorate and Wadi Hamara, in one of the most important military operations against the terror group. This ended its presence in Abyan and Shabwa governorates.
The Security Belt Forces implemented a well-crafted military plan, including raids against terrorist pockets in Abyan Governorate, which, for years, has been a stronghold of Al Qaida, which established training camps in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Yemeni forces uncovered ammunition depots and large caches of rockets, improvised explosive devices and artillery shells at Wadi Hamara. They also killed and captured many AQAP militants, including field commanders, the most prominent of who was Mohsen Basabreen.
