Yemenis continue to protest the government across the country, even amidst rising violence at these demonstrations. Al Qaeda-linked militants in Abyan remain in control of territory seized over the course of the unrest.

Yemeni security forces continue to crack down on protesters. Yemeni troops and pro-government “thugs” attacked protesters Tuesday in Sana’a, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 70 others. The pro-government forces attacked protesters when they marched from Tagheer (Change) Square along Zera’ah Street toward al Qaa neighborhood, which is pro-government. Protesters held a mass march in Shabwah governorate and demonstrations are also ongoing in Aden and Taiz.

Al Qaeda-linked militants kidnapped six Yemeni soldiers and an officer late Tuesday. The soldiers, part of the 201st brigade, were taken during an ambush outside of Zinjibar. A military source reported the soldiers are being held in al Kod, near Zinjibar.

An unidentified attacker threw a hand grenade into a crowded market in al Habilain in Lahij governorate. Two people were killed and eleven others were injured.

The ongoing political crisis in the capital has placed the Yemeni state at risk of a broader armed conflict. Further, the Yemeni state has been undergoing fragmentation. Al Qaeda has seized control of territory in south Yemen and the current situation has increased the organization’s operating space in the country.