The command of the coalition forces to support the legitimacy in Yemen has announced the launching of a joint military operation against al-Qaeda in Yemen, Emirates News Agency (WAM), reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The operation’s participants include the Yemeni army and elements of Saudi and United Arab Emirates special forces.
The SPA quoted the coalition command as saying in a statement Monday, that in its first hours, the operation succeeded in killing more than 800 elements of Al-Qaeda and a number of their leaders, and that the rest of them fled.
The statement added that the operation comes as part of the joint international efforts to defeat terrorist groups in Yemen and support the legitimate Yemeni government, as well as to extend its influence and control over Yemeni cities that fell under the control of Al-Qaeda, the most important of which is the city of Al Mukallam.
Al Mukalla is considered the stronghold of the organisation.
The operation aims at “clearing” Al Mukalla, and helping the legitimate Yemeni government to extend its control over the area and the rest of Yemen’s cities.
The statement added that the process will allow for the intensifying of humanitarian relief efforts in those cities, and alleviate the suffering of the people of Yemen.
The countries participating in the operation emphasised their continuing policy of chasing terrorist organisations out of all Yemeni cities, defeating them, and depriving them of a safe haven until the return of security and stability in the region.
bernama.com
