5 killed in bombing targeting Saudi-backed military leader in Aden

SadaNews - Five people were killed and three others were injured as a result of a car bomb explosion that targeted the convoy of the Saudi-backed military faction leader, Brigadier Hamdi Shukri, commander of the Second Brigade of the "Giants" forces, in the city of Aden in southern Yemen.

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council stated in a statement reported by the official news agency (Saba) that the "treacherous terrorist crime" resulted in the death of five armed forces personnel and injured three others.

A security source told Agence France-Presse that a car bomb parked by the roadside in the Jaoula area north of Aden exploded as Shukri's convoy passed by, with Shukri surviving the attack; however, a medical source confirmed he was injured by shrapnel in his leg.

The Yemeni government condemned the bombing, considering it an attempt to disrupt efforts to stabilize security and unify military and security decisions amid a phase witnessing progress with Saudi support.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which follows tensions in southern Yemen in recent weeks related to movements by the Southern Transitional Council backed by the UAE, before its forces were forced to retreat following the intervention of the Saudi-led coalition and allied forces.

The Arab coalition also condemned the attack, affirming its support for security efforts to pursue those involved, while the American embassy in Yemen described the bombing as an "unjustified attack."

In December, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council moved to seize areas in southern Yemen and announced a transitional period leading to the south's secession, before being forced to retreat by airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition and allied ground forces.

The Giants Brigade collaborated with the Saudi-backed National Shield forces to regain control over areas held by separatists in southern Yemen.

Currently, Riyadh's allies control most of southern Yemen, with the coalition backed by the kingdom dominating the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which was previously divided between UAE-backed and Saudi-backed figures.