Aden, Yemen - Yemeni Interior Minister Ibrahim Haydan on Saturday, August 17, 2024, accused the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, of being behind the recent attack on a Southern Transitional Council (STC) military base in Abyan Governorate (southern Yemen).

In a statement released by the security media,seen by "Barran Press", Haydan described the attack as "sinful" and claimed it was carried out "in collusion between the Houthis and the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization." He stated that the attack resulted in the deaths of 16 soldiers and injuries to others from the 3rd Support and Reinforcement Brigade.

Haydan asserted that this attack would only strengthen the resolve of security forces, their comrades in the armed forces, and all patriotic citizens to eradicate terrorism and its various manifestations, including the Houthis, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and their rogue elements.

He highlighted the importance of Yemeni society's unity against terrorism, which he attributed to Iran, the "sponsor of evil in the region." He called on the regional and international community to condemn all forms of terrorism targeting Yemen, stand with the legitimate government, and provide all necessary support to eliminate this scourge that threatens society on land and sea.

On Friday, August 16, the Southern Transitional Council reported the deaths of 16 of its soldiers in a suicide bombing targeting a military base in Abyan Governorate.

STC spokesperson Mohammed Al-Naqib stated that a "terrorist attack involving a car bomb driven by a suicide bomber targeted a base of our forces in Modaya district, Abyan Governorate."

Later on Friday, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the attack. The US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist media, reported that AQAP stated that a "fighter detonated a car bomb at the military site."