ALBAWABA- A deadly suicide car bombing struck the main gate of a government compound in Al-Mahfad district, eastern Abyan governorate, south of Yemen, on Thursday, killing at least 10 people and wounding eight others, according to military sources.
The attack, attributed to al-Qaeda–affiliated militants, targeted the headquarters of the First Support and Reinforcement Brigade of the Southern Transitional Government.
Brigadier General Nasr Atef al-Yafei, commander of the brigade, said the assault began with two explosive-laden vehicles, one of which detonated at the compound’s entrance, followed by an attempted ground infiltration by armed militants wearing explosive belts. Brigade forces repelled the attackers after heavy clashes, killing six of the assailants, al-Yafei confirmed.
“The terrorist elements launched a coordinated car bomb attack to storm the compound, but our forces confronted them with strength and eliminated all the attackers,” al-Yafei stated. “We lost four of our brave soldiers, but their sacrifice will not be in vain. The fight against terrorism will continue until Abyan is completely freed of ISIS and al-Qaeda cells.”
Security officials told Al-Masdar Online that the explosion caused severe damage to nearby structures and vehicles. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as residents rushed to help the wounded amid thick smoke and gunfire.
The Al-Mahfad district has long been a hotspot for militant activity, where remnants of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have launched repeated attacks against Yemeni security forces.
Despite ongoing counterterrorism operations, officials say terrorist groups continue to exploit the rugged terrain and tribal divisions to stage ambushes and plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Thursday’s bombing is one of the deadliest in months, underscoring the persistent threat of extremist violence in southern Yemen despite government claims of progress in stabilizing the region.
