Aden, September 1: The Yemeni government claimed on Tuesday that Abu Huzaifa al-Ansari, the official spokesperson of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization, was killed during a joint anti-terror operation. This operation was conducted by Yemeni security forces in collaboration with Saudi-led coalition special forces.
According to reports from the state-run Saba TV, the primary objective of the operation was to capture al-Ansari alive; however, he was killed during the action.
The operation involved special forces from the Saudi-led coalition, supported by Yemen’s 22nd Counter-Terrorism Unit. However, the agency did not disclose the location of the operation or other operational details.
Local military sources indicated that the raid took place around 1:30 AM on Monday in the city of Sayun, located in the southeastern Hadhramaut province. Security forces targeted an old mud house in the Al-Houta area, where al-Ansari was reportedly staying.
Sources stated that al-Ansari was captured after being injured during the operation but later succumbed to his injuries. Another individual present in the house was also killed during the action, which involved the use of drones.
Residents reported hearing several explosions during the raid in Sayun.
Exploiting the long-standing conflict and instability in Yemen, terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and IS have maintained their presence in the southern and eastern regions of the country.
Meanwhile, the Yemeni government also claimed that its navy intercepted four explosive-laden boats belonging to Houthi rebels that were heading towards government-controlled islands near international maritime routes in the Red Sea.
According to the state news agency Saba, the boats were en route to the strategic Hanish and Zuqar islands when they were stopped by the Yemeni navy. Military sources noted that Houthi boat activities were recorded on Sunday and Monday as well. However, the Houthi group has yet to respond to these claims.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.