The Race for Mukalla (Hardcover)

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.