Recent gains against al Qaeda-linked militants in south Yemen have been lost as the militants reassert control over a strategic coastal town. Further, Yemen’s opposition appears unable to unite under a national council.

Shaqra, a coastal town east of Zinjibar, is under the control of al Qaeda-linked militants. The militants attacked tribal positions near the town and drove local tribesmen away. Militants set up checkpoints and entered local government buildings, including the police station. Tribesmen had regained control of the town from the militants in mid-July. Shaqra sits on the road linking Shabwah governorate, an al Qaeda stronghold, to Aden.

A radical Islamist posted two messages on web forums reporting on recent developments in al Jawf and Abyan governorates and noting the “stupidity” of the Saudi government. The writer praised the suicide attack on an al Houthi meeting in al Jawf on August 14 saying that the al Houthis and the Islah (Reform) party tribesmen were uniting their forces against the “mujahideen.” The writer also described the clashes between rival militias in Jaar in Abyan. Saudi Arabia, the writer says, was responsible for the bombing of the government-aligned tribesmen in Abyan two weeks ago. The government also attempted to air drop supplies to the besieged 25th mechanized brigade, but many of these supplies fell in the vicinity of the al Qaeda-linked militants. (Post obtained and translated by SITE).

A number of political figures elected to the opposition’s National Revolution Council have rejected their appointments. Three officials from the opposition party Ray and Bakil tribal leader Naji al Shayef have refused their positions on the council, among others. Members of the Southern Movement have also pushed back on the council, seeking equality between the north and south.

Yemen’s deputy information minister Abdul Janadi survived an apparent assassination attempt. A bomb fell outside of his home in Sana’a shortly before he entered the house.

A resolution to the political crisis in the capital will not end the fragmentation of the Yemeni state, which remains at risk of a broader armed conflict. The current situation has increased al Qaeda's operating space in Yemen.