On 19 August, two Yemeni soldiers were killed and three were injured in Lawdar by AQAP gunmen who opened fire on them with automatic weapons while in a souk and then proceeded to escape.

Reports claimed that foreign fighters, primarily from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were fighting alongside AQAP within the city.

Thousands of residents from the city fled after the ultimatum was issued, and intense fighting began again that night after the militants resisted against government forces.

[7] By late noon, the Yemeni Interior Ministry claimed to have took full control over Lawdar, with Gen. Saleh al-Zaweri stating that security forces had "stormed the dens of the terrorists" in the city and were now "chasing the runaway elements".

An AFP tally based on official and medical sources placed the total death count at 33; 11 soldiers, 19 militants and three civilians.