Death of Al-Qaeda Leader in Masna'ah, Shabwa

Abu Awad Saleh Al-Tawsili, a prominent leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization and the group's emir in the Masna'ah region of Shabwa governorate in eastern Yemen, was killed in clashes with government forces stationed in the area bordering Shabwa and Abyan.  

According to confirmed sources, Al-Tawsili—considered one of the most dangerous commanders of the group in the region—was killed during an armed confrontation in the "Ard Al-Ghaseel" area of Hatib district on Friday evening. The clashes erupted after suspicious movements by terrorist elements attempting to infiltrate near Yemeni military positions were detected.  

Social media accounts linked to the terrorist organization's media apparatus published a eulogy, referring to him as the "Emir of Masna'ah," implicitly acknowledging the loss of one of Al-Qaeda’s most significant leaders in southern Yemen.  

Al-Tawsili’s death marks another blow in a series of recent setbacks for Al-Qaeda in Yemen, which have included the elimination of key leaders in Shabwa, Abyan, and even Marib. Some operations were carried out through precise security measures by local forces, while others involved U.S. airstrikes targeting the group’s hideouts and training camps.