SUMMARY

During the autumn of 2014, several groups pledged allegiance to IS. Wilayats (provinces) were announced in multiple locations in Yemen, including in Sana’a, Lahij and Aden. By having pledged allegiance to IS, these groups were all seen as part of IS.

In 2015, IS carried out a number attacks against the Government of Yemen, Forces of Hadi and civilians. The first attack against Forces of Hadi was carried out on 21 March and targeted the police in the southern town of Lahij. Nearly 30 people were killed in the attack.

The violence escalated markedly the following year, simultaneously as IS's conflict with the Ansarallah government became less intense. IS conducted a number of IS suicide bombings in mainly the town of Adan. From 2017 onward, IS conducted fewer attacks against the Forces of Hadi, as the group lost in strength, though It maintained a minor presence in Aden town. By 2020, however, IS no longer had any significant presence in territory governed by the Forces of Hadi.