Local informed sources and security sources in the Shabwah Governorate, east of Aden, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Arab coalition aircraft are flying over the city of Ataq, the capital of the governorate, and are dropping leaflets on the city’s residents, asking them to report any terrorist fighters in the city.

The leaflet warns residents, especially those of Ataq, against terrorist fighters. “Al-Qaeda in Yemen will deceive you”, “They are fleeing from one area to another like insects”, “They will cause your family to suffer” and “Report on Al-Qaeda leadership in Yemen!” are examples of statements written on the leaflets. A WhatsApp number and an e-mail address through which the coalition could be contacted were printed on the leaflets and people were assured that “All communication will be highly confidential”.

The leaflets are being dropped at a time when elite forces in Shabwah and the Southern Resistance are preparing for a military campaign to cleanse the governorate of Shabwah of terrorist groups with direct support from coalition forces in Aden and Hadhramaut.

Three Al-Qaeda fighters were killed in an American drone strike on the capital of the governorate, Ataq, on Tuesday. Security and military sources confirmed that forces are being trained in Aden, and are about to graduate under the supervision of coalition forces in Yemen after they complete the training process and qualify.