The Hadrami Elite Forces in Hadramout Governorate, eastern Yemen, announced on Monday the execution of a military operation targeting suspected weapons caches and hideouts belonging to the "Al-Qaeda terrorist organization." The operation took place in Al-Shihr Directorate, located 68 kilometers east of Al-Mukalla, the provincial capital.

In a statement released by their Command and Control, the Hadrami Elite Forces said that a joint military force comprising units from the Elite Forces moved towards the Wadi "Arf" area in eastern Hadramout following intelligence reports indicating the presence of weapons caches and suspected hideouts of "Al-Qaeda terrorist organization," along with suspicious movements of its elements.

The statement elaborated that the intelligence suggested these movements belonged to a suspected terrorist cell, prompting the Hadrami Elite Forces to launch a military operation to sweep the valley and raid the identified hideouts. The operation aims to bolster security and preempt any potential terrorist attacks.

The Hadrami Elite Forces indicated that reinforcements were deployed to thoroughly comb the area to ensure the elimination of any threats and prevent terrorist groups from exploiting remote areas to reorganize and execute their plans.
The statement further emphasized that this raid is part of comprehensive security campaigns conducted by the Hadrami Elite Forces, with support from the Arab Coalition leadership, to enhance security and stability and protect civilians from terrorist acts.
It is notable that the Yemeni Army, backed by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition forces, announced the recapture of Al-Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout Governorate, from Al-Qaeda in April 24, 2016, after a year of the organization's dominance, and the complete liberation of the governorate from the group's elements.