Islamic State spokesman Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari killed in Yemen operation

Yemen's National Security Service announced that the operation was carried out by special forces of the coalition supporting the Yemeni government, with assistance from the Yemeni counterterrorism force 'Force 22'. The forces left the area after completing the mission, and authorities said no civilians were harmed. The official statement did not specify the location in Yemen or provide further details on the circumstances of the killing. Yemeni media reported that one of his last appearances was in a recording released in February, in which he attacked the Syrian government and called on ISIS fighters to continue fighting. His death is seen as a blow not only to ISIS's Yemen branch but also to the group's central propaganda and leadership apparatus. The operation comes as the Yemeni government intensifies its activities against terrorist organizations in areas under its control. In recent months, the Interior Ministry reported dismantling terrorist cells and foiling attack plots, and in July discussed expanding cooperation, training forces, and improving counterterrorism capabilities with American representatives. In August, the Defense Ministry announced a broad security operation in government-controlled provinces aimed at 'drying up terrorist sources' and pursuing armed cells. ISIS in Yemen is significantly weaker than at its peak during the civil war, but the group continues to maintain cells capable of operating in areas where central government control is limited. Meanwhile, government forces also face al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which remains a significant threat in the south and east of the country.