Yemeni security forces successfully eliminated ISIS presence in Hanka al-Masoud

Yemeni security forces successfully eliminated ISIS presence in Hanka al-Masoud

The Yemeni Ministry of the Interior announced that a security campaign in the Hanka Al-Masoud area of the Al-Qurayshiyah district successfully cleared the region of ISIS criminal elements who had gathered there.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that the operation led to the arrest of dozens of ISIS members and the death of several, including their leader, Faisal Al-Khobzi, also known as “Hizoum Al-Khobzi.”

Some ISIS members detonated themselves during the raid, according to the statement.

The Ministry clarified that the security campaign followed the refusal of the criminal elements to surrender to the law and justice, despite their repeated attacks and rejection of any tribal mediation from prominent figures in the region.

The statement explained that these criminal elements had previously carried out repeated attacks, including: the killing of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Rabea for opposing their extremist ideology; attacking citizens’ properties by throwing hand grenades at their homes and farms; shooting at their homes late at night; assaulting the local health unit; and inciting violence against security forces.

“The criminal elements also launched attacks on security personnel while they were carrying out their duties, starting with an assault on a central security patrol at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 (4th of Rajab, 1446 AH), which resulted in the injury of two patrol members and a civilian nearby. They also launched another attack on a security point, leading to the martyrdom of several individuals, the injury of others, and the burning of police vehicles,” the statement read.

The ministry emphasized that these actions were part of a broader US-Israeli plot to destabilize Yemen and weaken its stance on Palestine and Gaza. However, this plan was thwarted by the security forces.

The Ministry also praised the cooperation and awareness of the people of Hanka Al-Masoud, Al-Qurayshiyah, and the entire Al-Bayda Governorate, urging further cooperation to thwart any conspiratorial or destructive plots against Yemen for its support of Palestine and Gaza.