Two recruits killed in armed attack on “Security Belt” camp in Abyan

ABYAN, July 14 (YPA) – At least two recruits were killed and several others injured early Tuesday morning when unidentified gunmen, suspected of belonging to Al-Qaeda, launched a surprise attack on a “Security Belt Forces” camp in the city of Lodar, located in the southern province of Abyan.

Local sources reported that the assailants utilized a variety of weapons and offensive grenades to storm the military outpost. The assault triggered intense armed clashes, resulting in the deaths of recruits Moataz Al-Jaadani and Ahmed Qassem Al-Jaari, alongside several injuries. Two other recruits remain missing.

While local authorities have not yet issued an official statement identifying the perpetrators, preliminary assessments suggest Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) may be linked to the operation.

Meanwhile, alternative analyses attribute the attack to escalating tensions between factions of the Southern Transitional Council (STC)-aligned Security Belt Forces and Saudi-backed Salafi elements competing for control over local mosques within the city. 

YPA