Apparently United States pressure on Yemen is yielding results, or at least something that looks like results.
Five wanted al-Qaeda suspects were arrested at Khushm al-Bakrah checkpoint in Bani al-Harith district 20 kilometers to the north of the capital Sana’a last Wednesday, said security sources at the Khushm al-Bakra checkpoint.The sources added that they arrested five terrorist suspects driving a black van, adding that the five persons had been wanted by security authorities and that their ages are between 19- 45.The source said they had received a communication from the Ministry of Interior based on intelligence indicating that the five wanted men were on their way from Bani Hushish district towards to Sana’a. The security sources did not reveal the suspects’ affiliation; however some local sources said the suspects were among those who took part in the rebel acts in Bani Hushish district in the past few weeks. The Ministry of Interior refused to reveal the identities or affiliations of the five arrested suspects under the pretence of protecting their sources of information and so as not to affect the investigation process. In a related development, a leading al-Qaeda suspect and four of his body guards have been arrested in the far eastern part of Yemen, official sources said on Wednesday.
Yemen Observer – June 28th, 2008
These latest arrests, and actions against Al-Qaeda over the past year, seem to suggest that the Yemeni government is serious about dealing with Al-Qaeda operating within its borders; however, things are usually not as they seem in the Middle East. Lest we forget, Arafat, Hamas, & the Egyptian government also “arrested” terrorists in their midst. Their idea of imprisonment included unlocked doors (forget cells!), unrestricted communications & the ability to travel.
This very well could be an attempt at appeasing the United States. The US is rightfully peeved at Yemen, whose government stubbornly refuses to hand over terrorists with the blood of young Americans on their hands. Yemen has refused to hand-over Jamal al-Badawi and Jabr al-Bannah, who were likely responsible for the USS Cole bombing. That unprovoked bombing claimed 17 American lives.
The Yemeni government takes the position that extraditing these ’specimens’ would b e a violation of the Yemeni constitution. An ‘interesting position’ considering the government’s record on honoring constitution, law and basic human rights.
3 responses so far ↓
Gary Swenchonis // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Ah! happy and Peaceful Yemen! As Bin laden himself likes to call it. Yemen is ruled by a terrorist loving dictator. Who has supported Al-Qaeda since he sized power years ago. He has freed the murders of our son and his 16 mates, his courts have freed terrorists to travle to Iraq to fight american soldiers, he imprisons journalists who dare to speak out against the regime, etc… And yet Clinton and Bush supported this dictator. And Bush still does. Even though Saleh has poked Bush’s eyes over and over. Three reasons, the strategic location of Yemen, some oil, and to keep Yemen from becoming a full blow Al-Qaeda State. But he knows he is losing the latter now. Salehs regime is becoming a failed state. Its only a matter of time now. Thank God!
1 Grounded // Jul 2, 2008 at 3:56 am
Dear Mr. Swenchonis,
My heartfelt condolences on your son, a true hero. I cannot fathom the loss of a child, however your exemplary perseverance in the face of overwhelming tragedy is inspiring. I am impressed & motivated by your efforts to raise awareness at terrorismpolitician.blogspot.com.
I echo your sentiments on the actions of the government. It is as if they are taking one step forward, 2 steps back; as if they want to fight with one hand tied behind their back; it is almost as if we (the free world) are in denial about being at war.
In nations like Saudi Arabia and Yemen; even in “allied” nations like Egypt, the people are still brainwashed from birth by dictators who distract the populace by concocting the myths of American/Israeli “evil”. They shake our hand, take our money, then turn around and incite.
In the Middle East, HONESTY is a rare commidity for those who possess it are often imprisoned, tortured and killed – which in turn aids in the continuitation of the one-sided ignorance that plagues the Islamic world. Is is a desperate state of affairs, especially considering most of the Arab/Persian populations have grown up under these conditions, never knowing any alternative.
You believe Salah’s time is nearing, but I reserve optimism. Although Yemen is not my forte, I have learned that the evil I know today, may still be better than the evil that awaits its turn in the spotlight of tommorrow.
Thank-you so much for your correspondence,
Wingless
2 Mark32 // Oct 23, 2009 at 3:35 am
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