Abyan – Two members of Security Belt Forces were killed and another injured on Friday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath their military vehicle in Al-Wadi’ah district, located in the central region of Abyan province, southern Yemen.

Local sources reported that the explosion occurred as the patrol vehicle was traveling along a remote road, with no group claiming responsibility for the attack. However, initial suspicions point to militant elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islah Party, both of which have been active in the area.

The blast completely disabled the vehicle, causing significant damage and triggering a rapid response from nearby Security Belt units, who rushed to the scene in an attempt to secure the area and pursue the perpetrators. The attackers reportedly fled toward mountainous terrain, evading capture.

This incident marks the latest in a string of targeted attacks against southern forces operating in Abyan, a province long plagued by insurgent activity and tribal unrest. The Security Belt Forces, part of the Southern Transitional Council’s military wing, have frequently clashed with extremist groups and rival factions in their efforts to stabilize the region.

Local authorities have vowed to investigate the incident and bolster patrols in vulnerable areas, while residents expressed growing concern over the deteriorating security situation.