The Race for Mukalla: Arabian Elite Forces and the War Against Al-Qaeda

The sequel to Michael Knights' successful 25 Days to Aden, The Race for Mukalla is the story of elite UAE forces taking the counter-terrorism fight to Al -Qaeda in the southern Yemen port of Mukalla. In many senses this was the UAE's most challenging moment. The first part of the book tells the story of the devastating missile strike at Safer, leading to the deaths of fifty Emiratis - a national tragedy for the Gulf nation. But the Emiratis are quick to regroup and their elite forces go on to save the key city of Marib city and liberate the iconic Zayed Dam. Both UAE forces and Al-Qaeda race to be the first to control the southern port of Mukalla. Initially Al-Qaeda take the port city, but by enlisting the help of local tribes - the Hadrami Elites - UAE forces fight their way in, running through precipitous mountain passes to the north and launching a naval blockade and amphibious assault to the south. Meticulously researched with those involved in the campaign and narrated at the same lively pace as 25 Days to Aden, The Race for Mukalla is both an adventure story and a unique historical account of the mission. It outlines the creation of a new formula for hunting Al-Qaeda: bringing together local Yemeni support, UAE special forces on the ground, and remote US intelligence and drones for the first time.