By Nasser Arrabyee/31/01/2010
The Yemen's supreme defense council said Sunday the military operations against Al Houthi rebels will stop if the rebels start to implement the six conditions set by the government at the beginning of the war in August last year.
This came after Al Houthi rebels said they would accept five conditions if military operations stop. The rebels ignored the sixth condition of not to attack Saudi Arabia.
If Al Houthi rebels abide by starting the implementation of the six conditions set by the government for ceasefire including not attacking the Saudi territories and handing over the Yemeni and Saudi kidnapped people without delay, then the government would not mind stopping the military operations, said a statement issued after the senior military and security officials met Sunday.
In addition to the condition of not attacking the Saudi territories, the Yemeni government previously set five other conditions to end the war, which included the Al Houthi rebels going down from the mountains and handing over the weapons.
Earlier in the day, the deputy governor of Sa'ada Mohammed Al Emad, said the rebels' announcement to accept the government's conditions to end the war in Sa'ada is not more than a new shiftiness to rescue themselves from an imminent defeat.
"The successive defeats and breakdowns inflicted on the rebels made them resort to such evasions only to gain time and try to regroup their scattered elements as they did previous rounds," said Mohammed Al Emad, deputy governor of Sa'ada, in a statement published by the state0run media.
Al Houthi rebels earlier said, "Since we are so keen on ending this bloodshed and in order to avoid the catastrophic situation that the country is heading toward and in order to end the acts of genocide against civilians, we renew for the fourth time what we previously announced, our acceptance of the five points that the Yemeni government asked for, after they end the aggression."
Meanwhile, battles between Al Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government troops are continuing, after the Saudi army had driven out the rebels who occupied Saudi territories at Yemeni Saudi borders last November.
About 20 rebels including the filed leader Kayed Abu Malik were killed in Al Safiyah area in Sa'ada, military and local sources said Sunday.
The rebels on their part, attacked a refugee camp near by the hospital of Al Salam in Sa'ada, killing two children and injuring three other people, eyewitnesses said.
Sunday 31 January 2010
Al Houthi is evading to gain time
By Nasser Arrabyee/31/01/2010
The rebels' announcement to accept the government's conditions to end the war in Sa'ada is not more than a new shiftiness to rescue themselves from an imminent defeat, said an official Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, the rebels said in an internet statement they would accept all conditions of the government but only if the military operations stopped.
"The successive defeats and breakdowns inflicted on the rebels made them resort to such evasions only to gain time and try to regroup their scattered elements as they did previous rounds," said Mohammed Al Emad, deputy governor of Sa'ada, in a statement published by the state0run media.
Al Houthi rebels earlier said,"Since we are so keen on ending this bloodshed and in order to avoid the catastrophic situation that the country is heading toward and in order to end the acts of genocide against civilians, we renew for the fourth time what we previously announced, our acceptance of the five points that the Yemeni government asked for, after they end the aggression."
Meanwhile, battles between Al Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government troops are continuing, after the Saudi army had driven out the rebels who occupied Saudi territories at Yemeni Saudi borders last November.
About 20 rebels including the filed leader Kayed Abu Malik were killed in Al Safiyah area in Sa'ada, military and local sources said Sunday.
The rebels on their part, attacked a refugee camp near by the hospital of Al Salam in Sa'ada, killing two children and injuring three other people, eyewitnesses said.
The rebels' announcement to accept the government's conditions to end the war in Sa'ada is not more than a new shiftiness to rescue themselves from an imminent defeat, said an official Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, the rebels said in an internet statement they would accept all conditions of the government but only if the military operations stopped.
"The successive defeats and breakdowns inflicted on the rebels made them resort to such evasions only to gain time and try to regroup their scattered elements as they did previous rounds," said Mohammed Al Emad, deputy governor of Sa'ada, in a statement published by the state0run media.
Al Houthi rebels earlier said,"Since we are so keen on ending this bloodshed and in order to avoid the catastrophic situation that the country is heading toward and in order to end the acts of genocide against civilians, we renew for the fourth time what we previously announced, our acceptance of the five points that the Yemeni government asked for, after they end the aggression."
Meanwhile, battles between Al Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government troops are continuing, after the Saudi army had driven out the rebels who occupied Saudi territories at Yemeni Saudi borders last November.
About 20 rebels including the filed leader Kayed Abu Malik were killed in Al Safiyah area in Sa'ada, military and local sources said Sunday.
The rebels on their part, attacked a refugee camp near by the hospital of Al Salam in Sa'ada, killing two children and injuring three other people, eyewitnesses said.
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Tribes, CSOs refuse foreign intervention in Yemen
Ashwaq Arrabyee 26/01/2010
About 1,000 tribal sheikhs from various Yemeni tribes declared their rejection for any foreign intervention in Yemen.
"We refuse any foreign intervention in Yemen internal affairs; the sovereignty and independence of the country must be respected," the tribal sheikhs said in a statement at the end of their meeting on the current challenges in Yemen on Tuesday.
They denounced the sabotage and terrorist acts used as a pretext for foreign intervention in the internal affair of Yemen under the name of "Combating terrorism", calling on all tribes and political powers to put aside their differences for facing all attempts to split the country and destabilize security.
In the meeting held before London Conference, they condemned media attempts to make a link between tribes and terrorism, stressing that the tribes support the security, stability and social peace.
On their part, the civil society organizations confirmed in a statement their refusal for foreign military intervention as a method to combat terrorism in Yemen.
"Such military intervention will worsen the unstable conditions and turn country into a field for regional and international conflicts," the Civil Society organization said in a concluding statement for the Civil Society Parallel Forum to the London Conference held on Sunday.
The statement called on holding a national dialogue to tackle the economic, political, social and security crises in Yemen.
"'Yemen has serious problems; the state's institutions are weak, justice is absent, poverty is highly spread, and it has a serious challenge of unemployment among its young people," the statement said. 'All this constitutes a breeding ground for terrorism."
The statement called on the donor countries to support development process in Yemen, democracy, freedom and to protect human rights.
About 1,000 tribal sheikhs from various Yemeni tribes declared their rejection for any foreign intervention in Yemen.
"We refuse any foreign intervention in Yemen internal affairs; the sovereignty and independence of the country must be respected," the tribal sheikhs said in a statement at the end of their meeting on the current challenges in Yemen on Tuesday.
They denounced the sabotage and terrorist acts used as a pretext for foreign intervention in the internal affair of Yemen under the name of "Combating terrorism", calling on all tribes and political powers to put aside their differences for facing all attempts to split the country and destabilize security.
In the meeting held before London Conference, they condemned media attempts to make a link between tribes and terrorism, stressing that the tribes support the security, stability and social peace.
On their part, the civil society organizations confirmed in a statement their refusal for foreign military intervention as a method to combat terrorism in Yemen.
"Such military intervention will worsen the unstable conditions and turn country into a field for regional and international conflicts," the Civil Society organization said in a concluding statement for the Civil Society Parallel Forum to the London Conference held on Sunday.
The statement called on holding a national dialogue to tackle the economic, political, social and security crises in Yemen.
"'Yemen has serious problems; the state's institutions are weak, justice is absent, poverty is highly spread, and it has a serious challenge of unemployment among its young people," the statement said. 'All this constitutes a breeding ground for terrorism."
The statement called on the donor countries to support development process in Yemen, democracy, freedom and to protect human rights.
Monday 25 January 2010
Al Houthi announces withdrawal from Saudi territory
Ashwaq Arrabyee 25/01/2010
The leader of Houthi rebels in Sa'ada declared withdrawal from all Saudi areas they had over controlled since the beginning of fighting with Saudi troops in November.
Abdul Malik Al Houthi, the leader of rebels, said, "we announce withdraw from all Saudi areas."
"The withdrawal is s real chance for peace and the Saudis have to value this initiative," he said in audio recording distributed to media on Monday.
He threatened of starting an open war against Saudi Arabia in case it continued its attacks against Al Houthis.
Local sources said, "the announcement of withdrawal of Al Houthis from all Saudi territory comes after an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Saudi government and Al Houthi rebels on the basis that Al Houthis had committed to the five conditions set by the government for stopping the war."
The leader of Houthi rebels in Sa'ada declared withdrawal from all Saudi areas they had over controlled since the beginning of fighting with Saudi troops in November.
Abdul Malik Al Houthi, the leader of rebels, said, "we announce withdraw from all Saudi areas."
"The withdrawal is s real chance for peace and the Saudis have to value this initiative," he said in audio recording distributed to media on Monday.
He threatened of starting an open war against Saudi Arabia in case it continued its attacks against Al Houthis.
Local sources said, "the announcement of withdrawal of Al Houthis from all Saudi territory comes after an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Saudi government and Al Houthi rebels on the basis that Al Houthis had committed to the five conditions set by the government for stopping the war."
20 Al Houthi rebels killed
10 Houthi supporters sentenced to jail
Ashwaq Arrabyee 25/01/2010
About 20 Al Houthi rebels were killed and some others were injured in Harf Sufyan, military sources said Monday.
The military sources said in a statement that the government troops killed an Al Houthi leader known as Abu Ali and 19 Houthi rebels in severe clashes in Al Taba Al Hamra in Harf Sufyan.
The troops thwarted some attempts by the rebel to infiltrate to some military sites in Al Malaheidh, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Sana'a Panel Court sentenced 10 Al Houthi supporters to 5-15 years in prison on Monday.
The court chaired by judge Muhsen Alwan, convicted the group of fighting with Al Houthis against the government troops in Sa'ada and Bani Hushaish areas at the northern outskirts of the capital Sana'a.
The group were also accused of providing an armed gang with weapons and explosives and carrying out a number of sabotage acts.
Sunday 24 January 2010
9000 families displaced in Sa’ada
Ashwaq Arrabyee 24/01/2010
About 8,900 families displaced by the conflicts between the Yemeni troops and Al Houthi rebels in Sa’ada Province until mid January, official source said Saturday.
The director general of Social Care Fund in Sa’ada, Ahmed Al Owairy, said the number of the displaced families are increasing due to the ongoing conflicts.
“The process of counting the displaced people is continuing to unify the registers of the displaced and consequently facilitating the distribution of assistants provided by the humanitarian local and international organizations,” said Al Owairy.
On the other hand, the government troops cleaned up a number of areas in AlMalaheidh, military sources said Sunday.
The military sources said in a statement that the troops destroyed some hideouts nearby Wadi Ghafra and Sud Al Ashari, in Al Malaheidh.
The troops destroyed a truck laden with weapons and ammunition for the rebels in Al Mahather sub-road, and cleaned up some farms in Al Okab area, near the city of Sa'ada.
About 8,900 families displaced by the conflicts between the Yemeni troops and Al Houthi rebels in Sa’ada Province until mid January, official source said Saturday.
The director general of Social Care Fund in Sa’ada, Ahmed Al Owairy, said the number of the displaced families are increasing due to the ongoing conflicts.
“The process of counting the displaced people is continuing to unify the registers of the displaced and consequently facilitating the distribution of assistants provided by the humanitarian local and international organizations,” said Al Owairy.
On the other hand, the government troops cleaned up a number of areas in AlMalaheidh, military sources said Sunday.
The military sources said in a statement that the troops destroyed some hideouts nearby Wadi Ghafra and Sud Al Ashari, in Al Malaheidh.
The troops destroyed a truck laden with weapons and ammunition for the rebels in Al Mahather sub-road, and cleaned up some farms in Al Okab area, near the city of Sa'ada.
Thursday 21 January 2010
One Houthi leader killed
By Ashwaq Arrabyee 21/01/2010
One of Al Houthi leaders was killed and some others were captured in Al Malaheidh, far west of Sa'ada, military sources said Thursday.
The military sources said in a statement that Al Houthi leader known as Abu Hussein was killed along with some other Houthi rebels in Al Malaheidh where they were trying to infiltrate to some military sites.
In Sa'ada, the troop destroyed weapon and ammunition store in the north of Al Maqash area and a car laden with weapons in Al Okab area.
The Defense Minister Mohammed Nasser Ahmed said during a visit for the troops in Harf Sufyan on Wednesday that the war against Al Houthi rebels will continue. He stressed to take all necessary procedures for achieving final and decisive victory against Al Houthi rebels.
One of Al Houthi leaders was killed and some others were captured in Al Malaheidh, far west of Sa'ada, military sources said Thursday.
The military sources said in a statement that Al Houthi leader known as Abu Hussein was killed along with some other Houthi rebels in Al Malaheidh where they were trying to infiltrate to some military sites.
In Sa'ada, the troop destroyed weapon and ammunition store in the north of Al Maqash area and a car laden with weapons in Al Okab area.
The Defense Minister Mohammed Nasser Ahmed said during a visit for the troops in Harf Sufyan on Wednesday that the war against Al Houthi rebels will continue. He stressed to take all necessary procedures for achieving final and decisive victory against Al Houthi rebels.
Al Qaeda militants targeted in Yemeni airstrikes
By Ashwaq Arrabyee, 21/01/2010
Yemen official source has said Yemen is not a safe haven for terrorists.
In statement released Thursday, the official sources said combating terrorism is one of the main issue to defend the Yemeni interests in the first place. The sources also praised the cooperation of citizen in Abyan, Shabwa, Mareb, and Sana'a provinces with the security forces in providing information about Al Qaeda militants.
This comes after Yemeni warplanes bombed a hideout for Al Qaeda militants in Al Shabwani area in Mareb Provinces, east Yemen, security sources said Wednesday.
The raid targeted some Al Qaeda militants led by Al Qaeda leader Ayadh Al Shabwani who was reportedly killed in the last air strikes which targeted two cars at Al Agasher area between Sa'ada and Al Jawf provinces.
The security sources said those Al Qaeda militants had committed a number of terrorist acts including targeting foreign tourists, blowing up pipelines at Serwah area, attacking the towers of the gas-powered electricity station in Marib.
Al Qaeda militants were hiding and receiving training in the farm of Ayadh Al Shabwani, in Al Shabwani area, the sources said.
The sources did not mentioned information about the number of killed or arrested Al Qaeda militants.
Monday 18 January 2010
Nasser Arrabyee in Sundance film Festival 2010
Ashawq Arrabyee 19/01/2010
The author of this blog, Nasser Arrabyee, is attending the Sundance Film Festival 2010, which starts January 20, in Utah in the United States.
Arrabyee is the producer of a 95-minute documentary film about Al Qaeda and Guantanamo detainees, which was made by the American filmmaker Laura Poitras.
The film, which is called The Oath, will be screened from 22 to 31 of current January in the Salt Lake City, Park City, and Sundance Resort in the State of Utah in the United States.
The Oath, which was filmed in Yemen and Guantanamo Bay in about two years, tells the story of two men whose fateful encounter in 1996 set them on a course of events that led them to Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden, 9/11, Guantanamo, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Unraveling like a lush, gripping novel that constantly subverts expectations, The Oath is the interlocking drama of two brothers-in-law, Abu Jandal and Salim Hamdam, whose associations with Al Qaeda in the 1990s propelled them on divergent courses.
The film delves into Abu Jandal's daily life as a taxi driver in Sana’a, Yemen, and Hamdan’s military tribunal in Guantanamo Bay prison. Abu Jandal and Hamdan’s personal stories—how they came to serve as Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard and driver respectively—act as prisms through which to humanize and contextualize a world the Western media demonizes. As Hamdan’s trial progresses, his military lawyers challenge fundamental flaws in the court system.
As charismatic Abu Jandal dialogues with his son, Muslim students, and journalists, he generously unveils the complex evolution of his belief system since 9/11.
In addition to the director Laura Poitras, the crew of Oath included the executive producers Sally Jo Fifer, David Menschel , the composer Osvaldo Golijov, the cinematographer Kirsten Johnson, the editor Jonathan Oppenheim, and the co-producer Aliza Kaplan
Saturday 16 January 2010
Three Al Qaeda militants captured
Ashwaq Arrabyee 16/01/2010
Yemen security forces arrested three Al Qaeda militants in Mafraq Alb area, far north of Sa’ada, security sources said Saturday.
The three captured Al Qaeda militants were wearing military uniforms for disguising and carrying weapons and bombs.
The security sources identified the arrested Al Qaeda militants as Ahmed Mohammed Al Razehi, Yaser Dhaif Allah AlRazehi, Ahmed Mohammed Al Haimi.
The arrest comes after six Al Qaeda leaders were killed in an air strike at Al Agasher area between Sa'ada and Al Jawf provinces on Friday.
The ministry of interior confirmed in a statement the death of Kasem Al Raimi, (known also as Abu Hurairah) the military commander of Al Qaeda, Amar Obad Al Wayly, Saleh Al Tais, Aidh Jaber Al Shabwani, Abdullah Hadi Al Tais, and Abu Ayman Al Mesri (Egyptian), the ideologist of Al Qaeda in the air strike.
Two more Al Qaeda militants escaped after their two cars were completely destroyed, and security forces are hunting them down.
Yemen security forces arrested three Al Qaeda militants in Mafraq Alb area, far north of Sa’ada, security sources said Saturday.
The three captured Al Qaeda militants were wearing military uniforms for disguising and carrying weapons and bombs.
The security sources identified the arrested Al Qaeda militants as Ahmed Mohammed Al Razehi, Yaser Dhaif Allah AlRazehi, Ahmed Mohammed Al Haimi.
The arrest comes after six Al Qaeda leaders were killed in an air strike at Al Agasher area between Sa'ada and Al Jawf provinces on Friday.
The ministry of interior confirmed in a statement the death of Kasem Al Raimi, (known also as Abu Hurairah) the military commander of Al Qaeda, Amar Obad Al Wayly, Saleh Al Tais, Aidh Jaber Al Shabwani, Abdullah Hadi Al Tais, and Abu Ayman Al Mesri (Egyptian), the ideologist of Al Qaeda in the air strike.
Two more Al Qaeda militants escaped after their two cars were completely destroyed, and security forces are hunting them down.
Friday 15 January 2010
Al Qaeda leaders confirmed dead in fresh air strike
By Nasser Arrabyee/16/01/2010
Yemen government identified the six terrorists who were killed on Friday by an air strike, as Kasem Al Raimi, Amar Obad Al Wayly, Saleh Al Tais, Aidh Jaber Al Shabwani, Abdullah Hadi Al Tais, and Abu Ayman Al Mesri (Egyptian). Two more terrorists escaped after their two cars were completely destroyed, and security forces are hunting them down.
War against Al Qaeda will never stop except after eradicating them all or after they surrender them selves and their weapons and be brought to justices, the government said Saturday in an official statement.
It said the war it is launching against Al Qaeda is not a war on behalf of any other country but to defend its supreme interests.
In a statement released late Friday by the Ministry of Interior, the government said the cooperation between Yemen and United States is only in field of intelligence and training to combat Al Qaeda which poses threats to Yemen and the World.
The statement comes hours after the government implemented an air strike against Al Qaeda militants in the framework of the crackdown which started December 17, 2009 after which AlQaeda accused the American fighters of implementing the raids against them.
The military leader of what is called Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was killed along with 6 other militants at least in an air strike, official and independent sources said Friday.
Kasem Al Raimi, (known also as Abu Hurairah) the military commander of AQAP, Amar Al Waeli, Saleh Al Tais and Ayadh Al Shabwani, were confirmed killed in the air strike, which targeted two cars at Al Agasher area between Sa'ada and Al Jawf provinces.
Kasem Al Raimi, the mastermind of several previous terrorists acts against the Yemeni government and western interests, escaped three hunt down operations by Yemeni security since last December, when the Yemen declared open war against Al Qaeda.
Two of Al Qaeda militants were escaped the air strikes, the security sources said.
Al Jawf governor, Hussein Hazeb, confirmed the air raid of today targeted Al Qaeda militants who were hiding between Sa’ada and Al Jawf.
The government troops are hunting down those who escaped the raids after destroying their cars, he said over phone.
Al Qaeda military leader killed along with six other operatives in air raid
By Nasser Arrabyee/16/01/2010
Yemen has said the war it is launching against Al Qaeda is not a war on behalf of any other country but to defend its supreme interests.
In a statement released late Friday by the Ministry of Interior, the government said the cooperation between Yemen and United States is only in field of intelligence and training to combat Al Qaeda which poses threats to Yemen and the World.
The statement comes hours after the government implemented an air strike against Al Qaeda militants in the framework of the crackdown which started December 17, 2009 after which AlQaeda accused the American of implementing the raids against them.
The military leader of what is called Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was killed along with 6 other militants at least in an air strike, official and independent sources said Friday.
Kasem Al Raimi, (known also as Abu Hurairah) the military commander of AQAP, Amar Al Waeli, Saleh Al Tais and Ayadh Al Shabwani, were confirmed killed in the air strike, which targeted two cars at Al Agasher area between Sa'ada and Al Jawf provinces.
Kasem Al Raimi, the mastermind of several previous terrorists acts against the Yemeni government and western interests, escaped three hunt down operations by Yemeni security since last December, when the Yemen declared open war against Al Qaeda.
Two of Al Qaeda militants were escaped the air strikes, the security sources said.
Al Jawf governor, Hussein Hazeb, confirmed the air raid of today targeted Al Qaeda militants who were hiding between Sa’ada and Al Jawf.
The government troops are hunting down those who escaped the raids after destroying their cars, he said over phone.
15 Al Houthi rebels killed in Al Jawf
Houthi weapon store and hideouts destroyed
Ashwaq Arrabyee 15/1/2010
About 15 Al Houthi rebels were killed in clashes with some tribes loyal to the government in AL Jawf Province, tribal sources said Friday.
The sources said the clashes are still continuing between AlHouthi rebels who escaped from Sa'ada and Al Shulan and Al Saqra tribes in Al Jawf.
The source added the warplanes launched air raids on the hideouts of Al Houthi rebels in some districts in Al Jawf province.
A weapon store, cars laden with weapons and ammunitions and some Houthi rebels' hideout were destroyed in Harf Sufyan and Al-Malaheidh, military sources said.
The government troops destroyed Houthi rebels' weapon store and two cars laden with weapons in Al Kheyam village in Harf Sufyan, the military statement said.
The statement said a number of rebels were killed and some others were injured in clashes with the troops while trying to infiltrate to 26 September hill, AlZaela area and Ghaban farms in Harf Sufyan.
In Al Malaheidh, the troops controlled the main hill leading to Al Dukhan Mountain, and destroyed a number of the rebels' hideouts, the statement said.
Thursday 14 January 2010
War against Al Qaeda is open, official source
Ashwaq Arrabyee, 15/1/2010
The war against Al Qaeda elements is open whenever or wherever they are, a security official source said Thursday.
The army 26 September website quoted the security official source as saying that Yemen is determined to rid the country of AlQaeda and the military operations will intensively continue against Al Qaeda militants.
The security source warned the citizen from hiding Al Qaeda militants and urged them to cooperate with the security forces.
The warning comes after the leader of AlQaeda in Shabwa Abdullah Al Mehdhar was killed late Tuesday in clashes with the security forces in Al Houta area in Shabwa province, east of the capital Sana'a.
Al Mehdhar was leading and training some AlQaeda militants in his house and in Mayfa'h Mountains, the sources said.
The security forces found various weapons, one RBJ launcher and grenades in addition to clothes and wigs used to disguise in the house, the sources said.
The sources added there were about 25 of AlQaeda militants in the house but they escaped to Mayfa'h Mountains. The security forces are still pursuing them.
In the clashes, the security forces arrested four Al Qaeda militants.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in Haban district while they were in the way to reinforce the security forces surrounding the house of Al Qaeda leader Al-Mehdhar.
The war against Al Qaeda elements is open whenever or wherever they are, a security official source said Thursday.
The army 26 September website quoted the security official source as saying that Yemen is determined to rid the country of AlQaeda and the military operations will intensively continue against Al Qaeda militants.
The security source warned the citizen from hiding Al Qaeda militants and urged them to cooperate with the security forces.
The warning comes after the leader of AlQaeda in Shabwa Abdullah Al Mehdhar was killed late Tuesday in clashes with the security forces in Al Houta area in Shabwa province, east of the capital Sana'a.
Al Mehdhar was leading and training some AlQaeda militants in his house and in Mayfa'h Mountains, the sources said.
The security forces found various weapons, one RBJ launcher and grenades in addition to clothes and wigs used to disguise in the house, the sources said.
The sources added there were about 25 of AlQaeda militants in the house but they escaped to Mayfa'h Mountains. The security forces are still pursuing them.
In the clashes, the security forces arrested four Al Qaeda militants.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in Haban district while they were in the way to reinforce the security forces surrounding the house of Al Qaeda leader Al-Mehdhar.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
An Al Qaeda Leader killed in Shabwa
Ashwaq Arrabyee, 13/1/2010
One Al Qaeda leader was killed and four other militants were arrested in clashes with the security forces in southern province of Shabwa, security sources said Wednesday.
The security official source of the Interior Ministry said that AlQaeda leader called Abdullah Al-Mehdhar who was leading an Al Qaeda cell was killed late Tuesday in clashes with the security forces in Al Houta area, in Shabwa province.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in Haban district while they were in the way to reinforce the security forces surrounding the house of Al Qaeda leader Al-Mehdhar in Al Houta since early Tuesday.
The Ministry of Interior identified the four captured Al Qaeda militants in a statement as Abdullah Oqail Omar, Anwar Ahmed Al-Garimy, Naser AlDeen Sheikh Al-Gafen, Laith Sehikh Al-Gafen.
The security forces are still surrounding a group of Al Qaeda militants who escaped to a mountainous area, the sources said.
Earlier, Shabwa governor said tens of the Al Qaeda militants who came from Afghanistan have found safe refuge for them in Al Kur mountainous area in Shabwa.
One Al Qaeda leader was killed and four other militants were arrested in clashes with the security forces in southern province of Shabwa, security sources said Wednesday.
The security official source of the Interior Ministry said that AlQaeda leader called Abdullah Al-Mehdhar who was leading an Al Qaeda cell was killed late Tuesday in clashes with the security forces in Al Houta area, in Shabwa province.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in Haban district while they were in the way to reinforce the security forces surrounding the house of Al Qaeda leader Al-Mehdhar in Al Houta since early Tuesday.
The Ministry of Interior identified the four captured Al Qaeda militants in a statement as Abdullah Oqail Omar, Anwar Ahmed Al-Garimy, Naser AlDeen Sheikh Al-Gafen, Laith Sehikh Al-Gafen.
The security forces are still surrounding a group of Al Qaeda militants who escaped to a mountainous area, the sources said.
Earlier, Shabwa governor said tens of the Al Qaeda militants who came from Afghanistan have found safe refuge for them in Al Kur mountainous area in Shabwa.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Hit on the head' operation to clean Sa'ada from rebels
By Nasser Arrabyee/12/01/2010
More than 30 Al Houthi rebels were killed and about 30 were arrested in clashes with the government troops and tribesmen loyal to the government in two different places in Sa'ada and the neighboring province of Al Jawf, military and tribal sources said Tuesday.
A group of 20 Al Houthi rebels were killed in fierce clashes with the government troops who are currently implementing what they called the final operation to rid the old city of Sa'ada from the rebels, said the sources.
10 at least of Al Houthi rebels were killed when a group of those who escaped from Sa'ada attacked the house and farm of Ali Saad Fakrah in the village of Al Mabna in Al Zaher district in Al Jawf province, according to tribal sources who participated in the fighting against the rebels.
About 12 soldiers were killed and injured in the operation which was called "the hit on the head", the independent sources said.
Some 200 hundreds of the Al Houthi rebels are still barricading in tens of houses at the northern corner of the old city despite the fact that the government troops have been surrounding them for more than one month from all directions.
Eyewitnesses said that in the operations of Sunday and Monday (the hit on the head), the rebels were escaping their stormed houses into normal houses to find protection among the civilians.
The security sources said they would declare the old city as a rebel-free city after this final operation.
Al Houthi rebels, on their turn, said the army wants only to destroy the historical city of Sa'ada claiming that they hunt down sleep cells.
"The army uses tractors to destroy the antiquarian houses and mosques of city of Sa'ada to take revenge on its people," said the rebels in a statement sent through emails.
More than 30 Al Houthi rebels were killed and about 30 were arrested in clashes with the government troops and tribesmen loyal to the government in two different places in Sa'ada and the neighboring province of Al Jawf, military and tribal sources said Tuesday.
A group of 20 Al Houthi rebels were killed in fierce clashes with the government troops who are currently implementing what they called the final operation to rid the old city of Sa'ada from the rebels, said the sources.
10 at least of Al Houthi rebels were killed when a group of those who escaped from Sa'ada attacked the house and farm of Ali Saad Fakrah in the village of Al Mabna in Al Zaher district in Al Jawf province, according to tribal sources who participated in the fighting against the rebels.
About 12 soldiers were killed and injured in the operation which was called "the hit on the head", the independent sources said.
Some 200 hundreds of the Al Houthi rebels are still barricading in tens of houses at the northern corner of the old city despite the fact that the government troops have been surrounding them for more than one month from all directions.
Eyewitnesses said that in the operations of Sunday and Monday (the hit on the head), the rebels were escaping their stormed houses into normal houses to find protection among the civilians.
The security sources said they would declare the old city as a rebel-free city after this final operation.
Al Houthi rebels, on their turn, said the army wants only to destroy the historical city of Sa'ada claiming that they hunt down sleep cells.
"The army uses tractors to destroy the antiquarian houses and mosques of city of Sa'ada to take revenge on its people," said the rebels in a statement sent through emails.
Sunday 10 January 2010
7 Al Qaeda suspects arrested, top leaders still alive
By Nasser Arrabyee/10/01/2010
A total of 7 Al Qaeda suspects including three brothers were arrested in Sawan neighborhood, north east of the capital Sana'a, relatives said Sunday.
Nabil Al Huri, said that security stormed his house in Sawan at night on Tuesday and arrested his three brothers, Esam, Majed, and Kamal Al Huri.
Nabil, said in a press statement, that his brothers were arrested and released many times after a brother of his was killed in Iraq three years ago.
"If my brothers are proved to be members of Al Qaeda they should then be put on trial , but the security should stop terrifying the family and relatives," Nabil said.
"This way will help Al Qaeda to recruit more and more of the angry young people."
Meanwhile, the governor of Shabwa, Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi, said Sunday that the leaders of Al Qaeda Anwar Al Awlaki, Fahd Al Kusa, and Nasser Al Wahayshi are still alive in a hideout in Shabwah.
He said they are in the mountainous area of Al Kur along with 10s of Egyptian and Saudi Jihadists.
The official added in a press statement, that Al Qaeda elements keep moving from place to place between Shabwa and Abyan and Mareb.
On December 24th, the Yemeni authorities said Al Wahayshi, Al Awlaki, and Al Shihri, were killed after the Yemeni warplanes launched air raids on a hideout in Rafad area in Shabwa where the leaders were holding a meeting to discus a plan to retaliate the December 17th air raid on their training in Al Majalah in Abyan.
Al Ahmadi said that the local people in Shabwa reject Al Qaeda but he also said that the unemployed young people might join Al Qaeda if it is not permanently eradicated from those areas.
A total of 7 Al Qaeda suspects including three brothers were arrested in Sawan neighborhood, north east of the capital Sana'a, relatives said Sunday.
Nabil Al Huri, said that security stormed his house in Sawan at night on Tuesday and arrested his three brothers, Esam, Majed, and Kamal Al Huri.
Nabil, said in a press statement, that his brothers were arrested and released many times after a brother of his was killed in Iraq three years ago.
"If my brothers are proved to be members of Al Qaeda they should then be put on trial , but the security should stop terrifying the family and relatives," Nabil said.
"This way will help Al Qaeda to recruit more and more of the angry young people."
Meanwhile, the governor of Shabwa, Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi, said Sunday that the leaders of Al Qaeda Anwar Al Awlaki, Fahd Al Kusa, and Nasser Al Wahayshi are still alive in a hideout in Shabwah.
He said they are in the mountainous area of Al Kur along with 10s of Egyptian and Saudi Jihadists.
The official added in a press statement, that Al Qaeda elements keep moving from place to place between Shabwa and Abyan and Mareb.
On December 24th, the Yemeni authorities said Al Wahayshi, Al Awlaki, and Al Shihri, were killed after the Yemeni warplanes launched air raids on a hideout in Rafad area in Shabwa where the leaders were holding a meeting to discus a plan to retaliate the December 17th air raid on their training in Al Majalah in Abyan.
Al Ahmadi said that the local people in Shabwa reject Al Qaeda but he also said that the unemployed young people might join Al Qaeda if it is not permanently eradicated from those areas.
Saturday 9 January 2010
More than 20 rebels killed
By Nasser Arrabyee/10/01/2010
More than 20 Al Houthi rebels were killed during fierce battles in different places in Sa'ada, a military statement said Sunday.
At least rebels were killed when the warplanes destroyed the hideout of the rebel field leader Ali Ahmed Ghanim at Kalat Asem in Haidan where two supply cars were also destroyed, the statement said.
The statement mentioned the full names of 10 rebels of those who were killed.
And 10 rebels at least were killed when the army repelled an attack by Al Houthi fighters on the mountain of Al Khazan west of Sa'ada at the border with Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
Three Somalis, who were fighting with the rebels, were arrested in Al Khazan area, the statement said.
The rebel field leader, Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Al Zubairi, was arrested in the city of Sa'ada, according to the statement.
On their part, Al Houthi rebels said they bombarded with artillery the guesthouse in the Saudi city of Jaizan.
They also said in statement sent through emails that the Saudi forces implemented more than 13 air raids and fired more 630 missiles on them in the western areas of Sa'ada, on Saturday.
More than 20 Al Houthi rebels were killed during fierce battles in different places in Sa'ada, a military statement said Sunday.
At least rebels were killed when the warplanes destroyed the hideout of the rebel field leader Ali Ahmed Ghanim at Kalat Asem in Haidan where two supply cars were also destroyed, the statement said.
The statement mentioned the full names of 10 rebels of those who were killed.
And 10 rebels at least were killed when the army repelled an attack by Al Houthi fighters on the mountain of Al Khazan west of Sa'ada at the border with Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
Three Somalis, who were fighting with the rebels, were arrested in Al Khazan area, the statement said.
The rebel field leader, Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Al Zubairi, was arrested in the city of Sa'ada, according to the statement.
On their part, Al Houthi rebels said they bombarded with artillery the guesthouse in the Saudi city of Jaizan.
They also said in statement sent through emails that the Saudi forces implemented more than 13 air raids and fired more 630 missiles on them in the western areas of Sa'ada, on Saturday.
Friday 8 January 2010
More than 16 rebels, 4 tribesmen killed
By Nasser Arrabyee/09/01/2010
More than 20 people were killed and several others injured in clashes between tribesmen loyal to Al Houthi rebels and other loyal to the government in Al Jawf province, local sources said Saturday.
The sources said that 6 tribesmen supporting the armed rebellion of Al Houthi, and four tribesmen loyal to the government were killed in Al Matamah in Al Jawf on Thursday.
The two tribes of Al Shulan (loyal to government) and Al Ashraf (supporting rebels) had long blood feud, and each side tries to take revenge on the other, the sources said.
On Friday the sources said, the warplanes bombed the village of Al Mabna in the district of Zaher in Al Jawf where Al Houthi rebels position, killing at least 10 and 10 others, the said sources, who are participating in the fighting against the rebels.
The tribal sheikh from Shulan tribe, Mohammed Ahmed Al Sakrah, was among those 4 who were killed, the sources said.
Meanwhile, a group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage acts to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
More than 20 people were killed and several others injured in clashes between tribesmen loyal to Al Houthi rebels and other loyal to the government in Al Jawf province, local sources said Saturday.
The sources said that 6 tribesmen supporting the armed rebellion of Al Houthi, and four tribesmen loyal to the government were killed in Al Matamah in Al Jawf on Thursday.
The two tribes of Al Shulan (loyal to government) and Al Ashraf (supporting rebels) had long blood feud, and each side tries to take revenge on the other, the sources said.
On Friday the sources said, the warplanes bombed the village of Al Mabna in the district of Zaher in Al Jawf where Al Houthi rebels position, killing at least 10 and 10 others, the said sources, who are participating in the fighting against the rebels.
The tribal sheikh from Shulan tribe, Mohammed Ahmed Al Sakrah, was among those 4 who were killed, the sources said.
Meanwhile, a group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage acts to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
4 Al Houthi rebels arrested in Sana'a
By Nasser Arrabyee/08/01/2010
A group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, said the Ministry of Interior Friday.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry said in a statement.
A group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, said the Ministry of Interior Friday.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry said in a statement.
4 Al Houthi rebels arrested in Sana'a
By Nasser Arrabyee/08/01/2010
A group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, said the Ministry of Interior Friday.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry said in a statement.
A group of 4 Al Houthi rebels were arrested before they implemented sabotage acts in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, said the Ministry of Interior Friday.
The four men, who all are from the district of Sahar in Sa'ada, were arrested in the city of Sana'a while planning to carry out a series of sabotage to undermine the security and stability, the Ministry said in a statement.
9 Al Qaeda members arrested
By Nasser Arrabyee/08/01/2010
A total of 9 Al Qaeda members were arrested over the last two days as the Yemeni security forces tightened the hunt down on Al Qaeda hideouts in the country, security sources said Friday.
Eight of them were arrested in Arhab, northeast of the capital Sana'a, where a leader is still being surrounded, the sources said.
Tribal sources said that tribal chiefs are still trying Mohammed Al Hanek, the alleged leader of Al Qaeda in Arhab, to surrender himself.
Al Hanek is the leader of the group who was likely behind the terror threat against the US and UK embassy last week.
The 9th Al Qaeda member was arrested in Majzar district in Mareb, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior that said the man is 25 years old and he is originally from Hudhrmout, far east of the country.
The Ministry said the hunt down is going on and will continue in all places, like Mareb, Shabwah, Al Jawf, Abyan, until Al Qaeda militants are permanently eradicated.
On his part, the political analyst Ahmed Al Sufi, said Al Qaeda will be mistaken if they think Yemen will be instead of Afghanistan and Pakistan where from they escaped.
"Al Qaeda is exploiting the poverty and economic hardships of the people in the remote areas in hope to achieve their ambitions to establish an Islamic Emirate in Yemen," said Al Sufi who runs the Yemeni Institute for Democracy Development, a local
NGO.
"Al Qaeda should realize that the Yemeni people can bear the poverty and economic hardships, but will never bear extremism and killing of Al Qaeda."
A total of 9 Al Qaeda members were arrested over the last two days as the Yemeni security forces tightened the hunt down on Al Qaeda hideouts in the country, security sources said Friday.
Eight of them were arrested in Arhab, northeast of the capital Sana'a, where a leader is still being surrounded, the sources said.
Tribal sources said that tribal chiefs are still trying Mohammed Al Hanek, the alleged leader of Al Qaeda in Arhab, to surrender himself.
Al Hanek is the leader of the group who was likely behind the terror threat against the US and UK embassy last week.
The 9th Al Qaeda member was arrested in Majzar district in Mareb, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior that said the man is 25 years old and he is originally from Hudhrmout, far east of the country.
The Ministry said the hunt down is going on and will continue in all places, like Mareb, Shabwah, Al Jawf, Abyan, until Al Qaeda militants are permanently eradicated.
On his part, the political analyst Ahmed Al Sufi, said Al Qaeda will be mistaken if they think Yemen will be instead of Afghanistan and Pakistan where from they escaped.
"Al Qaeda is exploiting the poverty and economic hardships of the people in the remote areas in hope to achieve their ambitions to establish an Islamic Emirate in Yemen," said Al Sufi who runs the Yemeni Institute for Democracy Development, a local
NGO.
"Al Qaeda should realize that the Yemeni people can bear the poverty and economic hardships, but will never bear extremism and killing of Al Qaeda."
Thursday 7 January 2010
The German and British hostages still alive
By Nasser Arrabyee/07/01/2010
The 5-five member German family and their British friend who were kidnapped more than five months ago in Yemen are still alive, said the Yemeni deputy prime minister for security and defense, Dr Rashad Al Alimi Thursday.
Al Alimi said that the hostages, the German couple who doctors, and the British engineer, are being used to treat the injured rebels of Al Houthi in Sa'ada north of the country.
In press conference held Thursday in Sana'a attended by a big number of international Arab and Yemeni journalist, Al Alimi said his country is stable and Yemeni armed forces will any attempt for destabilizing Yemen.
"Yemen will never allow any direct foreign military or security involvement," he said.
The official confirmed that all previous and current security operations including the recent preemptive attacks against Al Qaeda were carried out by the Yemeni forces alone.
"The Yemeni forces only are who will eradicate Al Qaeda permanently in Yemen," he said.
He said the alleged leader of Al Qaeda in Arhab area, 40-50 km north east of the capital, Mohammed
Al Hanek, a former jihadist in Afghanistan, is still being besieged in his tribe, and siege will contine until he is arrested. Last Monday, Al Hanek escaped an ambush made by security forces in Arhab where two of his comrades were killed and three injured when the security forces raided the group who was behind the terror threat against the US embassy.
Now he is besieged in his house in Arhab where tribal leaders try to convince him to surrender himself to the security forces.
"The security forces will continue surrounding Mohammed Al Hanek until he is arrested," Al Alimi said.
For Omar Abdul Muttalab, the Nigerian terrorist who tried bomb US-bound airliner on the day of Christmas, Al Alims said that the explosives, which Abdulmutalab had, were brought from Nigeria.
The British authorities prevented Omar from continuing his master in Britain and he continued in Dubai.
Omar was recruited by Al Qaeda in London.
"Omar went to Shabwa and met with the Al Qaeda leaders in the same place which were bombed in December 24," said Al Alimi.
About the London conference to be held on 28 of this month, Al Alimi said it is to support Yemen economically and strengthen the security and military institutions for combating terrorism.
Tuesday 5 January 2010
3 injured Al Qaeda suspects arrested
By Nasser Arrabyee/06/01/2010
Three Al Qaeda suspects were arrested in a hospital where they were having treatments for injuries they sustained in clashes with the Yemeni anti-terror forces earlier this week, the Ministry of Interior said Wednesday.
The three men, who were arrested in the hospital of Al Raidah in Amran province, were serving as bodyguards for the alleged leader of Al Qaeda in Arhab area Mohammed Ahmed Al Haneq who escaped a raid on his hideout last Monday. Two Al Qaeda suspects were killed in that raid.
Four other men, who took the injured Al Qaeda suspects to the hospital, were also arrested for helping and covering Al Qaeda militants, said the ministry in a statement.
The Ministry also said that the war on Al Qaeda would continue almost daily to prevent Al Qaeda militants from taking breath after the preemptive strikes on their hideouts and training camps last months.
The US and UK embassies in Sana'a reopened Tuesday after the Monday raid on Al Haneq's group in Arhab where the terror threats allegedly came from.
The US embassy said in statement, "The successful counter-terrorism operations conducted by the government of Yemen security forces January 4 north of the capital have addressed a specific area of concern and have contributed to the embassy's decision to resume operations.", despite the fact that the operation failed to kill or arrest the Mohammed Ahmed Al Hanek, the leader the terrorist group.
Three Al Qaeda suspects were arrested in a hospital where they were having treatments for injuries they sustained in clashes with the Yemeni anti-terror forces earlier this week, the Ministry of Interior said Wednesday.
The three men, who were arrested in the hospital of Al Raidah in Amran province, were serving as bodyguards for the alleged leader of Al Qaeda in Arhab area Mohammed Ahmed Al Haneq who escaped a raid on his hideout last Monday. Two Al Qaeda suspects were killed in that raid.
Four other men, who took the injured Al Qaeda suspects to the hospital, were also arrested for helping and covering Al Qaeda militants, said the ministry in a statement.
The Ministry also said that the war on Al Qaeda would continue almost daily to prevent Al Qaeda militants from taking breath after the preemptive strikes on their hideouts and training camps last months.
The US and UK embassies in Sana'a reopened Tuesday after the Monday raid on Al Haneq's group in Arhab where the terror threats allegedly came from.
The US embassy said in statement, "The successful counter-terrorism operations conducted by the government of Yemen security forces January 4 north of the capital have addressed a specific area of concern and have contributed to the embassy's decision to resume operations.", despite the fact that the operation failed to kill or arrest the Mohammed Ahmed Al Hanek, the leader the terrorist group.
Monday 4 January 2010
US and UK embassies reopen
By Nasser Arrabyee/05/01/2010
US and UK embassies reopen
By Nasser Arrabyee/05/01/2010
The US and UK embassies in Sana'a reopened ending three-day closing after receiving terror threats from Al Qaeda in Yemen, sources in the two embassies said Tuesday.
The embassies sources said they have started working as normal from today Tuesday.
The Yemeni security officials said there are no serious threats to close any embassy in Sana'a vowing to hunt down all terrorists in the country.
"The US and UK embassies have reopened today after they have convinced there is no serious threat that requires closing, and that our security forces are in the highest alert to confront any terrorist attempt to undermine the security and stability of Yemen," an unidentified security official was quoted the state-run media as saying.
The official said those terrorists who threatened to strike western interests including the US and UK embassies were killed and injured in a hunt down operation in Arhab on Monday.
Two militants at least were killed and three injured in an operation carried out by the anti-terror forces against a small group of Al Qaeda members who were hiding and preparing for terrorist acts in Arhab about 40-50 km east of the Yemeni capital Sana'a.
Five Al Qaeda members were arrested during the last 24 hours in Sana'a and the coastal city of Hodeida, in different hunt down operations according to security officials.
The President Ali Abdullah Saleh said that no place for the terrorists of Al Qaeda in Yemen and that the Yemeni army would eradicate them.
"The army would confront all terrorists of Al Qaeda and every one who tries to undermine the security and stability of Yemen, the country of peace and security , where no place for terrorists and extremists," Saleh said Monday during an inspection visit for military camps in the capital Sana'a.
Is it open war in Yemen?
04/01/2010
The Yemeni government has declared an open war against Al Qaeda, which has been increasingly growing since January 2009 when the Yemeni branch merged with the Saudi branch to form what the so-called Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
The United States and Britain are teaming up to help the poor Yemen, which is facing an armed rebellion in the north and increasing separation sentiments in the south in addition to this open war with Al Qaeda.
The failed plot to bring down a US-bound airliner by the Nigerian terrorist Omar Abdul Mutallab who allegedly trained and planned in Yemen, was also the declaration of war against United States by AQAP, which claimed responsibility for this plot and vowed that painful strikes are in the way.
On January 28th, London will host an international conference called for by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for rescuing Yemen from collapsing like Somalia.
Fears and concerns are increasing among Yemenis that the results of the conference may lead to a direct involvement of US and UK in a war against AQAP in the country, which needs development not more wars.
Two Al Qaeda operatives at least were killed and three injured on Monday January 4th, when the Yemeni forces clashed with an Al Qaeda cell in Arhab area, about 40-50 km east of the capital Sana'a. The cell is believed to be on its way to implement their previous threats against US and UK embassies in Sana'a, which closed at the beginning of the week.
The head of the so-called military wing of AQAP, Kasem Al Raimi and his comrade Hezam Mujali, were likely among the dead. Both Al Raimi and Mujali survived a raid on their hideout on December 17th in the same place where 4 would-be suicide bombers were killed and 4 others arrested.
The Arhab second strike came only one day after a swift visit to Yemen by the US commander for Middle East, David Petraeus who met President Ali Abdullah Saleh and senior officials.
Western-trained Special Forces troops were deployed this week in the eastern areas of the country where at least 400 Al Qaeda operatives are hiding and trying to incite the most conservative tribes there against America and the "agent and traitor" Yemeni government, who launch a "Crusade war" against them.
The Eritrean-backed Al Shabab Al Mujahid in Somalia said in a press statement they would send fighters, Mujahideen, to support AQAP for fighting the "enemies of Allah" in Yemen.
The Yemeni government has declared an open war against Al Qaeda, which has been increasingly growing since January 2009 when the Yemeni branch merged with the Saudi branch to form what the so-called Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
The United States and Britain are teaming up to help the poor Yemen, which is facing an armed rebellion in the north and increasing separation sentiments in the south in addition to this open war with Al Qaeda.
The failed plot to bring down a US-bound airliner by the Nigerian terrorist Omar Abdul Mutallab who allegedly trained and planned in Yemen, was also the declaration of war against United States by AQAP, which claimed responsibility for this plot and vowed that painful strikes are in the way.
On January 28th, London will host an international conference called for by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for rescuing Yemen from collapsing like Somalia.
Fears and concerns are increasing among Yemenis that the results of the conference may lead to a direct involvement of US and UK in a war against AQAP in the country, which needs development not more wars.
Two Al Qaeda operatives at least were killed and three injured on Monday January 4th, when the Yemeni forces clashed with an Al Qaeda cell in Arhab area, about 40-50 km east of the capital Sana'a. The cell is believed to be on its way to implement their previous threats against US and UK embassies in Sana'a, which closed at the beginning of the week.
The head of the so-called military wing of AQAP, Kasem Al Raimi and his comrade Hezam Mujali, were likely among the dead. Both Al Raimi and Mujali survived a raid on their hideout on December 17th in the same place where 4 would-be suicide bombers were killed and 4 others arrested.
The Arhab second strike came only one day after a swift visit to Yemen by the US commander for Middle East, David Petraeus who met President Ali Abdullah Saleh and senior officials.
Western-trained Special Forces troops were deployed this week in the eastern areas of the country where at least 400 Al Qaeda operatives are hiding and trying to incite the most conservative tribes there against America and the "agent and traitor" Yemeni government, who launch a "Crusade war" against them.
The Eritrean-backed Al Shabab Al Mujahid in Somalia said in a press statement they would send fighters, Mujahideen, to support AQAP for fighting the "enemies of Allah" in Yemen.
Saturday 2 January 2010
Yemeni air attacks on al-Qaida fighters risk mobilising hostile tribes
Killing of tribal leader's wife and children sparks condemnation of Sanaa and the west
Hugh MacLeod and Nasser Arrabyee in Sanaa
The Observer, Sunday 3 January 2010
Article history
Hugh MacLeod and Nasser Arrabyee in Sanaa
The Observer, Sunday 3 January 2010
Article history
When Yemeni MiG-29 aircraft sent missiles crashing into a suspected terrorist training camp in al-Majalah, a remote area of Abyan in the south, the local reaction quickly turned from horror to anger.
The raids, a week before Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's failed attempt to blow up a Christmas Day flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, succeeded in killing key figures in the Yemeni wing of
Local sources said about 50 people were killed, and some 60 injured. It was said that the al-Qaida fighters had been living in the village alongside their families, training at a camp just metres from the homes. But the deaths of women and children enraged some locals.
"Kazimi has the right to live with his family, and if he is a member of al-Qaida then he should have been punished alone," said Mukbel Ali al-Ambori, a leader of the Ambor tribe. "But 45 women and children and more than 1,000 animals were killed."
Officials accused one of the leaders of Yemen's southern separatist movement, Tarek al-Fadhli, a powerful local tribal chief, of allowing al-Qaida to run the camp under his protection.
The deputy prime minister for defence and security affairs, Rashad al-Alimi, said 24 al-Qaida suspects were killed, most of them Ambor tribesmen, but also two Saudis, two Pakistanis and an unknown number of Egyptians, as well as five other unidentified foreigners. A security source said five al-Qaida operatives were injured and later arrested in
the southern port city of Aden.
The recriminations in the aftermath of the al-Majalah raid underline the dilemmas facing the Yemeni government and its deeply unpopular western allies, as they combat the emerging terrorist threat in the country's east and south. Later this month Gordon Brown will host an emergency summit on Yemen.
Abdulmutallab is believed to have received al-Qaida training at a similar camp to the one devastated a week before Christmas. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the failed attack, saying it was retaliation for the US military support to Yemen in its offensive against the militants. But disentangling a hostile local population from the al-Qaida fighters and leaders who have infiltrated the region will be a hugely difficult task.
Senior Yemeni officials told the Observer that al-Qaida had been successful at buying the loyalty of local people.
"No one gets recruited free of charge. Al-Qaida come with resources to pay people," said Abdel Karim Aryani, an adviser to Yemen's president, Ali Abdullah Saleh. "The religious appeal helps, but poverty is at the root of all Yemen's problems, including al-Qaida."
Speaking to the Observer two days before the Abyan air strike, the commander of Yemen's British- and US-trained counter-terrorism forces warned of the difficulties of attacking al-Qaida where it is hosted by local tribes.
"Al-Qaida touch on very sensitive issues in tribal areas. They come in the name of God and religion and talk about Palestine and the occupation of Iraq and people sympathise with them," said Brigadier Yehya Abdullah Saleh, a nephew of the president. "We don't want to fight with the tribes, so it is better to take out al-Qaida members one by one when they are separate from the tribes, or we risk a big war."
New details on the pre-Christmas raids suggest that US support and effective intelligence-gathering helped Yemen strike a serious blow against al-Qaida, but that its top leadership, including a member of the al-Qaida cell that attacked the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000, narrowly escaped death. And reporting by the Observer reveals the extent to which al-Qaida has integrated itself with powerful tribes that control large swaths of Yemen's rugged east and parts of its south.
The poorest country in the Middle East, Yemen remains a tribal society, as complicated to rule as Afghanistan, where clan elders and the armed men they command often trump the authority of the central government.
The Yemeni people are among the most heavily armed in the world. In a population of 25 million, there are believed to be some 60 million guns, while carrying arms is a rite of passage for young men growing up inside the traditions of their tribe.
The authorities said they were compelled to launch the all-out offensive on AQAP after receiving intelligence that an eight-man al-Qaida cell was poised to launch a wave of car bombings and suicide attacks against western targets.
According to an official statement, the targets included the British embassy in Sanaa, previous targeted in a foiled attack in 2005, as well as schools – presumably those teaching western students, such as the capital's many language centres, one of which Abdulmutallab studied at – and oil companies.
As the air force pounded Abyan at dawn on 17 December, counter-terrorism forces stormed an al-Qaida safe house in Arhab, 70km north-east of Sanaa. In the ensuing gun battle three of the would-be suicide bombers were killed, said a security source, including Hani al-Shalan, a former Guantánamo prisoner released to Yemen in June 2006.
Qasem al-Raimi, a top military commander of AQAP, escaped the Arhab raid along with Hezam Mujali, a leader of the suicide bombers. Hezam's brother Arif was captured, along with six others, and taken for interrogation. In February 2006, Raimi, the military commander, had escaped from a maximum-security prison in Yemen along with Nasser Wahayshi, now the leader of AQAP.
In Sanaa, meanwhile, counter-terrorism officers raided homes, arresting 14 suspected al-Qaida operatives who were to have provided assistance to the suicide bombers.
But the attacks on Arhab and Abyan prompted an angry response by local tribes. Meeting at their traditional gathering place, leaders of the Arhab tribe discussed how to secure the release of several of their members arrested in the raid, including the brother of an MP, Sheikh Mansour Ali al-Hanaq, whose relative fought with the mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Prominent members of the Arhab tribe include one of Yemen's senior religious scholars, Sheikh Abdel Majid al-Zindani, who was listed in 2004 by the US as a specially designated global terrorist for his suspected links to Osama bin Laden. It is not known if he attended the meeting.
At the site of the Abyan air strike a couple of days later, al-Qaida member Mohamed Saleh al-Awlaki urged a gathering of thousands of tribesmen to stand by al-Qaida.
"The war in Yemen is between al-Qaida and the US, and not between al-Qaida and the Yemeni army," shouted Mohammed, who was filmed with his face uncovered. "Victory is coming soon," he promised.
Awlaki was a relative of Fahd al-Kusaa, once imprisoned for his involvement in the bombing of the USS Cole, and also a cousin of Anwar al-Awlaki, a US-born Yemeni preacher who lectured some of the 11 September hijackers and was in contact with Nidal Hassan, the US army psychiatrist, in the months leading up to his massacre at Fort Hood.
Local sources and Yemeni security officials said AQAP's leaders, Nasser Wahayshi and his Saudi deputy, Saeed al-Shihri, who was released from Guantánamo in 2008, travelled to Abyan to mourn the death of Kazimi, the tribesman who had led the local al-Qaida cell.
After the funeral the senior AQAP men were tracked, most probably by US drones, back to a farm in Rafdh in Shabwa, 600km east of Sanaa, belonging to Fahd al-Qusaa, the USS Cole bomber.
An official statement said the farm was being used for a meeting chaired by Wahayshi and Shihri. On 24 December, a day before the failed Detroit terror attack, missiles slammed into the farmhouse, killing at least five confirmed al-Qaida members: Mohammed Awlaki and four of his relatives. Brigadier Saleh, the head of Yemen's counter-terrorism forces, told the Observer that the war against al-Qaida in his country is far from over, urging more assistance for his troops from the US and Britain.
Friday 1 January 2010
Al Houthi rebels ready to abide by the State's conditions
By Nasser Arrabyee/02/01/2010
Al Houthi rebels said Saturday they would abide by all conditions set by the government if the military operations against them stopped.
"We are ready to comply with all conditions set by the government, if there is a fair and comprehensive solution that will guarantee the war will never erupt again," said Mohammed Abdul Salam, the spokesman of the rebels.
"The government should declare the cease-fire and sit with Al Houthis and look to their demands," said the spokesman in a response to a call by the country's highest security committee for the rebels to abide by the six conditions set by the government if they want to end the war.
If the rebels abided by the six conditions, and proved their seriousness to implement them, then ceasefire will happen and a mechanism and certain period of time for full implementation of these conditions will be immediately set, said a statement issued Saturday by the supreme security committee which supervises the ongoing 4-month war.
The statement said the war will stop if the rebels:
Ceasefire, open roads, remove mines, go down from mountains, and end barricading,
Withdraw from districts (from government's buildings in the centres of the districts) and not interfere in the affairs of the local authorities.
Return the plundered military and civil equipments (heavy weapons etc).
Release the military and civil people held by them.
Abide by the constitution, law, and order.
Not attack the lands of the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The call by the security committee comes after the President Ali Abdullah Saleh called Al Houthi rebels for peace on the New Year.
In an article written by him in the editorial of the official Al Thawrah daily entitled "Let 2010 Be the Year of Peace" President Saleh called the rebels to abide by the six conditions if they want the war to be over.
He also called the secessionist groups in the south for dialogue under the ceiling of unity and constitution.
In the same article, Saleh urged Al Qaeda operatives to put down weapons and renounce violence and extremism if they want to save their lives.
Al Houthi rebels said Saturday they would abide by all conditions set by the government if the military operations against them stopped.
"We are ready to comply with all conditions set by the government, if there is a fair and comprehensive solution that will guarantee the war will never erupt again," said Mohammed Abdul Salam, the spokesman of the rebels.
"The government should declare the cease-fire and sit with Al Houthis and look to their demands," said the spokesman in a response to a call by the country's highest security committee for the rebels to abide by the six conditions set by the government if they want to end the war.
If the rebels abided by the six conditions, and proved their seriousness to implement them, then ceasefire will happen and a mechanism and certain period of time for full implementation of these conditions will be immediately set, said a statement issued Saturday by the supreme security committee which supervises the ongoing 4-month war.
The statement said the war will stop if the rebels:
Ceasefire, open roads, remove mines, go down from mountains, and end barricading,
Withdraw from districts (from government's buildings in the centres of the districts) and not interfere in the affairs of the local authorities.
Return the plundered military and civil equipments (heavy weapons etc).
Release the military and civil people held by them.
Abide by the constitution, law, and order.
Not attack the lands of the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The call by the security committee comes after the President Ali Abdullah Saleh called Al Houthi rebels for peace on the New Year.
In an article written by him in the editorial of the official Al Thawrah daily entitled "Let 2010 Be the Year of Peace" President Saleh called the rebels to abide by the six conditions if they want the war to be over.
He also called the secessionist groups in the south for dialogue under the ceiling of unity and constitution.
In the same article, Saleh urged Al Qaeda operatives to put down weapons and renounce violence and extremism if they want to save their lives.
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