The breakdown of state control over major southern Yemeni cities is creating a security and power vacuum. This development increases the operating space for militants, including al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula operatives.

Militants have increased their foothold in south Yemen. The militant group that took over Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan governorate, offered a reward for information on military figures. The militants, who call themselves Ansar al Sharia, announced a five million riyal reward for information on a list of 12 Yemeni military pilots and commanders. Militants temporarily gained control of a security forces administrative building outside of Hawta, the capital of Lahij governorate.

Yemeni authorities announced the arrest of ten al Qaeda suspects. Seven suspected al Qaeda militants were arrested in Aden after entering from Abyan. Another three were arrested while planting explosives near an Aden hotel.

The loss of government control over key cities throughout Yemen is an indicator that the state is undergoing fragmentation. The country also remains at risk of armed conflict. The current situation has increased al Qaeda’s operating space in Yemen.

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