“The operation is being carried out by the Shabwan Elite Forces, backed by the UAE.”

:: The United Arab Emirates announced on Monday the launch of “Operation Decisive Sword” targeting al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen.

A statement from the official news agency WAM said the operation “began early morning against a stronghold of terrorism in the Upper Directorate of Shabwa, with the objective of expelling elements of the al-Qaeda organization.”

It added: “The operation is being carried out by the Shabwan Elite Forces, backed by the UAE, under the leadership of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition The organisation recently suffered significant losses in Wadi Al Masini in the province of Hadramaut.”