This governorate is noted for its agriculture, in particular the cultivation of date palms and animal husbandry.

[5] Yemeni government forces launched an effort to re-establish control of the region, resulting in the Battle of Zinjibar.

In addition to Zinjibar, the towns of Jaʿār and Shuqrah were firmly under the control of the Islamists.

[6] In early May 2012 the Yemeni Army and Southern Resistance began a major offensive to wrest control of the province from militants.

Government forces captured Zinjibar and Jaar on 12 June after a month of heavy fighting.