Shabwa elite forces kill senior al-Qaeda leader

Shabwa elite forces on Friday (September 21st) conducted a military operation in Shabwa province's Markha directorate, killing a senior al-Qaeda leader and arresting three others, local media reported.

"Security forces raided an al-Qaeda hideout in Wadi Khura, killing al-Qaeda leader Nayef Sayaari al-Dayani and arresting three others," Shabwa police chief Brig. Gen. Awadh al-Dahbul said in a statement.

Three members of the elite forces were also lightly injured in the operation.

Al-Dahbul lauded the security forces’ "major victories against the forces of evil and terrorism", noting that the Shabwa elite forces participating in the operation are highly trained in combating terror groups.

"These high-level military operations aim to put an end once and for all to outlaws," said al-Dahbul.

The military operation also targeted two al-Qaeda camps in the areas of Madhifa and Jaran, which are now under the control of the Shabwa elite forces, Sky News Arabia reported Saturday.

Increased sense of safety

Shabwa began to experience security and stability with the arrival of the Shabwa elite forces, said Shabwa native and media professional Safaa Obaid.

"The Shabwa elite forces include natives who dedicated their lives to protecting their province, establishing security and giving hope to people there," she told Al-Mashareq.

For instance, "residents were very happy with the elite forces' campaign to prevent carrying weapons in public places ... which gave residents a sense of safety", she said.

Obaid lauded the sacrifices made by the elite forces in establishing security and stability through combating terrorism in the province, adding that the recent operation in Khura shows that they are "brave and responsible".