Battle of Al-Masini Valley
Battle of Al-Masini Valley
During Yemen’s civil war, the Al-Masini Valley in Hadramaut was targeted in February 2018 to drive out Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The operation, code-named Al Faisal, was led by the UAE-backed Hadhrami Elite Force with support from UAE forces.
AQAP had used Al-Masini as a base after losing control of other areas. They had taken parts of Hadramaut, including Mukalla, in 2015, but were pushed back by government and coalition forces in 2016. After AQAP’s presence persisted in Hadramaut, the valley became a key target for the security drive.
On February 16, 2018, the Hadrami Elite Force surrounded Al-Masini Valley. On February 17, with coalition air support and UAE ground assistance, they launched a three-front assault. By February 18, Hadrami forces had entered the valley, fought fierce battles, and AQAP retreated. The coalition gained full control, and security forces began patrolling the area.
Casualties reported were 19 AQAP fighters killed and 8 allied forces killed. After the capture, security posts were set up and weapons and ammunition used by AQAP were confiscated.
Hadramaut’s governor, Faraj al-Bahsani, declared the operation a success and said further actions would follow to remove AQAP from the region.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:42 (CET).