ABYAN — Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly roadside bombing that targeted a military patrol belonging to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in eastern Mudiyah district, Abyan governorate.

The attack, which occurred during an ongoing counterterrorism operation aimed at dismantling AQAP cells in the region, resulted in the death of one soldier and left four others wounded. 

Local sources confirmed that the explosive device was planted along a remote route frequently used by STC units conducting sweeps in Wadi Omaran — a known stronghold of the militant group.

This incident marks the latest escalation in a series of confrontations between AQAP and southern forces under the “Eastern Arrows” campaign, which has intensified in recent months across Abyan and Shabwa.

Suspected Coordination Between AQAP and Houthi Militias

STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi recently accused the Houthis of facilitating AQAP’s mobility and logistics in contested areas, particularly in central and eastern Yemen. Intelligence reports point to shared operational zones and possible arms transfers, though no formal alliance has been confirmed.

The STC has vowed to continue its operations against AQAP, warning that any overlap between terrorist and insurgent groups poses a grave threat to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.