Yemeni forces boost security in Abyan following IED attack

An improvised explosive device (IED) planted in Yemen's al-Mahfad district in Abyan province targeted a Security Belt Forces patrol, killing one soldier and wounding another on Thursday (June 20th), local media reported.

The Rapid Intervention Forces patrol was trying to defuse the IED when it exploded, killing soldier Mahdi Saleh al-Hanshi.

Though Security Belt Forces have cleared al-Mahfad of al-Qaeda elements, some remain in hiding and carry out attacks from time to time.

The district's security committee held an emergency meeting on Thursday evening headed by al-Mahfad director-general Ahmed al-Rabie to step up security measures against terror elements.

The meeting was attended by commanders of the Security Belt Forces and Rapid Intervention Forces, as well as other district officials.

The participants approved a security plan that enforces a weapon ban at al-Mahfad market, secures all facilities and boosts support for the Security Belt Forces, al-Rabie told Al-Mashareq.

They also called on Abyan province leaders and Arab coalition commanders to increase the capabilities of the Security Belt Forces "as they are in an open war with terrorists", he added.

"Participants recommended providing the 4th Military District with four armed crews and the district's sector commander with an armoured vehicle," said al-Rabie.

They also called for supporting the provincial police with two armed crews and weapons, and the Security Belt Forces with a support battalion and armoured vehicles.

"This is in addition to setting up a joint operations room to co-ordinate efforts and supporting the forces with food and fuel to enable them to perform their tasks," he said.