Hadramaut security forces arrest four men following US drone strike

Security forces in Yemen, believed to be affiliated with the National Security and Political Agency, have arrested four young men in the coastal district of Brom, west of Mukalla. The arrests follow a recent US drone strike that killed Al-Qaeda leader Abu al-Layth al-Hadrami on the coast of Brom.

The security operations involved late-night raids on homes and locations suspected of having links to the deceased Al-Qaeda operative. Among those detained are a soldier from the Hadrami Elite Forces and another serving in the army in Marib province.

Reports indicate that Abu al-Layth al-Hadrami had been active in coordinating logistics between Yemen and Somalia, including the smuggling of weapons and drones. Local activists suggest the cell he led was planning operations in Mukalla, such as targeting the central prison and monitoring international shipping lanes. Families of the detainees are currently searching for them in various security facilities in Mukalla.