Abyan (South24) 

The Southern forces announced today the completion of the "Arrows of the East" operation against AQAP in Abyan governorate, east of the capital, Aden.

The official spokesperson, Lt. Col. Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, said in exclusive statements to "South24", that the operation in its four phases has been completed.

Southern forces in the Arrows of the East operation in Abyan (South24 Archive)

He added: "Our forces have completed securing Al-Mahfad district during the fourth phase of the military operation. Currently, hiding members are being pursued."

"Abyan has triumphed over the political terrorism that has existed there since 1994. The great sacrifices of our soldiers made this victory," the military spokesperson added.

Al-Naqeeb stressed that the "Arrows of the East operation and the war by the Southern forces against terrorism have no limits and will strike wherever they are found that threatens the security of South."

Southern forces in the Arrows of the East operation in Abyan (South24 Archive)

On Saturday, the Southern forces entered Al-Mahfad district, as part of the fourth phase of the "Arrows of the East" operation, which targets AQAP presence in the center of Abyan.

On Sunday, seven soldiers from the Southern forces were killed and others were wounded in the explosion of two explosive devices in the "Wadi Oemran" area of Mudiyah district, in the center of the governorate.

During the early stages of the operation, the Southern forces were able to secure a number of districts, including Laudar, Al-Wadea', and Mudiyah.

Southern forces in the Arrows of the East operation in Abyan (South24 Archive)

In mid-September, the Southern forces achieved the most important objectives of the operation by taking control over the largest AQAP camp in Wadi Oemran.

The Southern forces suffered multiple causalities as a result of the sudden operations of AQAP members, in addition to mines and explosive devices. The extremist organization has also lost dozens of its members.

AQAP published several pictures during the past days showing the targeting of military vehicles for the Southern forces in Abyan.

Southern forces in the Arrows of the East operation in Abyan (South24 Archive)

In a separate context, South24 correspondent in Shabwa governorate reported that, today, an explosive device targeted a military vehicle of the Shabwa Defense Forces in Al-Masanaa area, without any casualties.

The "Arrows of the East" operation, which was launched on August 22, is considered the most important operation of the Southern forces against AQAP in South Yemen since the operation to liberate the city of Mukalla in Hadramout in 2016, backed by the Arab Coalition.