Yemen security claims foiled Al-Qaeda plot, arrests 6

Chiara Onassis | 4 March 2012

SANA’A: Official Yemen security sources told Bikyamasr.com on Sunday that the Central Security Forces had foiled a terror plot by arresting 6 men allegedly linked to al-Qaeda and seizing a vehicle loaded with explosive.

The arrest came after an alert was set off by the country’s intelligence services of an imminent attack against national interest by the terror group, Ansar al Shariah, with reports coming through of the existence of 6 car-bombs.

There was an attack on Sunday that reportedly killed 6 soldiers in the southern part of the country, and has been linked to al-Qaeda.

Following a recent surge in violence and activities as al-Qaeda is believed to be trying to use instability as a way to further extend its hold over Yemen, the authorities have stepped up their efforts into cracking down on terrorist activities.

 “We have to be careful not to associate every attack with al-Qaeda since other factions are using the group to deflect their own guilt. However we need to remain cautious as al-Qaeda is trying to resume its anti-American campaign by targeting the government as it accuses it of collaboration with the enemy,” said an officer of the Central Security Forces.

Moreover, in light of this renewed terror threat the government decided to increase security in and around the US embassy in Sana’a, the capital as well as near other national landmarks and ministries.

 “With anti-Americanism being on the rise, we cannot be careful enough. In between al-Houthi’s threats to the U.S embassy and al-Qaeda’s promises that it would drive the invader out of Yemen, we are all on the alert. Things are tense but we believe we have the situation under control,” said a government official under anonymity since he wasn’t allowed to give details to the press.