Abyan — Yemeni military officials have confirmed that 12 people were killed in a recent attack by Al-Qaeda militants on a military outpost in the southern province of Abyan. 

The final toll includes five Yemeni soldiers and seven members of the terrorist group, following hours of intense clashes in the Ahwar district.

The assault targeted a base belonging to the Security Belt Forces, a unit aligned with the Southern Transitional Council and supported by the UAE. Militants reportedly launched a surprise attack using automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, prompting a fierce exchange of fire before reinforcements arrived.

Among the fallen soldiers was Colonel Yasser Nasser Shayae, a senior officer known for leading counterterrorism operations in the region. Military sources said the attackers attempted to overrun the base but were repelled after suffering heavy losses.

Security officials described the incident as part of a resurgent wave of Al-Qaeda activity in southern Yemen, where the group continues to exploit instability and fragmented control to stage attacks.

The Yemeni government has vowed to pursue the remaining militants and reinforce vulnerable positions in Abyan and neighboring governorates. Local communities have called for increased protection and accountability amid fears of further extremist violence.