Mukalla’s liberation sends a warning to supporters of terrorism, says UAE commander

Staff Brigadier Musallam Al Rashidi, Commander of UAE Force in Hadhramout, said the support provided by the Arab Coalition had been instrumental in driving Al Qaeda militants out of the city.

Staff Brig Musallam Al Rashidi, Commander of UAE Force in Hadhramout, said pro-government forces were now pursuing the militants, many of whom have fled towards Shabwa province. Photo by WAM

ADEN // The liberation of Mukalla has sent a stern warning to all those who support terrorism in Yemen, the Arab Coalition said on Thursday.

Staff Brig Musallam Al Rashidi, Commander of UAE Force in Hadhramout, said the support provided by the Arab Coalition had been instrumental in driving Al Qaeda militants out of the city.

“Stability of Yemen means stability for the whole region,” said Brig Al Rashidi, in a joint press conference held by the coalition and the Yemeni national army.

The UAE commander, who is leading the liberation battle in Mukalla, said pro-government forces were now pursuing the militants, many of whom have fled towards Shabwa province.

Brig Al Rashidi said Al Qaeda looted US$100 million a day during its occupation of Mukalla.

“The liberation of Mukalla has proved how Al Qaeda was fragile,” he said, noting that air strikes carried out by the coalition provided help to the Yemeni army on the ground.

Relief assistance from the UAE is now on its way to the city, he said.

Brig Auni Al Qurni, deputy commander of Mukalla’s Liberation Force, said the operation had been carried out at the request of the legitimate government in Yemen.

* Wam