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Yemen tightens security in Aden amid fears of terrorist attacks

23 August 2012 17:58 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Yemeni authorities stepped up security measures in the southern port city of Aden Thursday, following intelligence that militants of al-Qaida terrorist group could attempt to target government compounds with armed attacks and suicide bombings, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The police forces advised citizens to be on alert and boosted military patrols after receiving intelligence reports that the Yemen-based al-Qaida group was planning to carry out more terrorist attacks in Aden, a local security official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Security has been high in Aden since Saturday, when an al-Qaida suicide bombing and rocket attack hit the intelligence headquarters and state television building, killing least 19 army soldiers and injuring 10 others.

"Police troops began searching for some terrorists who entered the city to carry out terrorist attacks and armed operations against military bases and government locations," the official said.

"All military units will remain extra vigilant and whoever sights any strange vehicle with strange characters (ought) to report to the nearest security personnel without any delay," he added.

At the same time, Yemeni Interior Ministry said forces have been directed to take adequate measures to prevent any infiltration of terrorists into Aden and urged the public to share tips with police officers.

Local residents told Xinhua anonymously that there is a heavy police presence in all areas and many soldiers are checking vehicles at the entrances of Aden.

On June 20, Yemeni military officials announced seizing al- Qaida’s last bastion in the country’s troubled south following a month-long army offensive backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

However, local military and anti-terrorism experts said the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch is still a major threat to the impoverished Arab country despite its being driven out of its main bastions by the U.S.-backed military assault.

A string of high-level assassinations and suicide bombings have struck Yemen’s southern regions over the past two months, showing that al-Qaida militants retain the capacity to strike.