By Aziz Ahmadi
SANAA, Yemen (AA) — A soldier of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) was killed in Yemen in an attack by the Al-Qaeda terror group, STC-affiliated media reported on Friday.
Two other soldiers were wounded in the assault that took place in the Al-Hamima area of the southern province of Abyan, according to broadcaster Aden Independent Channel, which reported that Al-Qaeda "attacked the vehicle of Samir Muhalib, the commander of the Security Belt sector."
The attack resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to two others, while Muhalib survived, it added.
The channel did not specify the nature of the attack or whether Muhalib was injured. However, other media outlets reported that the attack involved an improvised explosive device (IED), and Muhalib was injured, though the extent of his injuries was not disclosed.
Al-Qaeda elements are present in several Yemeni provinces, particularly in the south, where they occasionally launch attacks against government forces, security personnel, and STC forces.
Control of Abyan is divided between the Yemeni government and the STC.
On Sep. 18, 2022, the STC announced its complete control over the strategic Amran camp, the largest Al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan.
Other southern provinces, including Aden, Shabwa, and Socotra, are under the control of STC forces, which advocate for the secession of southern Yemen from the north.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio