Yemen: Five suspected Al-Qa’ida members killed in US airstrike July 31

Event

Five suspected Al-Qa’ida members were reportedly killed in a US airstrike on Monday, July 31, in Marib governorate, central Yemen. The drone attack targeted a gathering of suspected terrorists in the village of Hathla in the Al-Jawba district. On July 30, a separate US airstrike in Mudiyah district, northern Abyan governorate, reportedly killed an Al-Qa’ida commander and multiple militants who were traveling by car, according to local sources.

Context

Since Donald Trump was sworn in as president in January, US attacks on suspected terrorists have intensified in Yemen due to fears that Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) will reassert its influence in the midst of a chaotic civil war. Yemen has been engaged in a complex and deadly conflict since Houthi rebels started fighting the international coalition-backed government in 2015.

Advice

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the country.