Aden (South24 Center)

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The Southern Armed Forces announced on Tuesday (December 16), the implementation of a new security deployment across areas of Wadi Hadramout and Desert, as part of their “Promising Future” military operation aimed at enhancing security and stability and preventing the infiltration of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) elements in the governorate.

The Southern Armed Forces official spokesperson, Colonel Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, said that units of the Hadrami Elite Forces, represented by the Barshid Brigade, carried out a wide-scale deployment to secure cities in Wadi Hadramout, with particular focus on areas adjacent to Wadi Sirr, north of the districts of Al-Qatn and Shibam. 

In a statement published on the “X” platform, Al-Naqeeb explained that Wadi Sirr is considered one of AQAP’s most dangerous strongholds in Hadramout, noting that the group has used the area as a main haven over the past years, taking advantage of its rugged geography and varied terrain, in addition to what he described as cover provided by influential parties through the First Military District.

He added that the deployment operation aims to fortify cities in Wadi Hadramout and prevent any attempts by the group’s elements to reposition themselves or infiltrate residential areas, amid ongoing security and military developments in the governorate.

#BREAKING
Footage shows Southern Forces deployment in Wadi Sir, Hadramout, pursuing AQAP elements#south24 pic.twitter.com/qO1CduOKVv

— South24 | English (@South24E) December 16, 2025

The spokesperson noted that the units participating in the operation possess long-standing field experience in counterterrorism efforts in Hadramout and have previously taken part in major security operations, including the “Al-Faisal” operation carried out by the Hadrami Elite Forces in February 2018, which targeted AQAP hideouts in Wadi Al-Musayni west of the city of Mukalla, with support from the Arab Coalition, represented by Emirati forces.

The Southern Armed Forces had announced on December 3 the launch of the “Promising Future” operation, which they describe as one of their most significant military operations aimed at securing Wadi Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorate from northern forces affiliated with the First Military District.