Conflict

U.S. Forces in Yemen

Incident Code

USYEMTr069

Location

وادي الصنيف, Wadi Al Sanif, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

13.420207, 46.071511
Accuracy: Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: YEMT070)

US drone and naval strikes reportedly targeted alleged AQAP militants in Wadi Al Sanif, in the Al Maraqisha area of Abyan governorate, late on April 5th 2017. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm.

Several sources, including AFP, reported that a US drone strike killed a local AQAP leader, Ahmed Ali Saana, while he crossed a bridge on a motorbike in Al Sanif.  According to Aden Lang, an anonymous Yemeni security official said that the strike took place on the night of April 5th.

Sources also reported that a US warship launched strikes in the same area, though the timing of the bombardment was unclear. There were no known reports of any casualties from the naval fire.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike), Naval bombardment
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military actors reported killed
1

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention a motorcycle being struck on a bridge crossing Wadi Al Sanif (وادي الصنيف), for which the exact coordinates are: 13.420207, 46.071511.

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media from Sources (4)