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The presence of known al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula operatives in Abyan indicates the organization’s support for the al Qaeda-linked militants who have taken control of the governorate.
Fighting south of Zinjibar killed an al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula commander, Ayad al Shabwani. Shabwani had been the target of airstrikes in January 2010 in Ma’rib governorate. His cousin, Awad al Shabwani, was also killed. Al Qaeda-linked militants fought with troops from the 31st and 119th armored brigades in Kod district between Aden and Zinjibar.
A car bombing in Aden targeted a British man. David Mockett, a marine surveyor, was killed in Mualla district in Aden. AQAP has regularly targeted foreigners since its foundation; this attack is consistent with its normal pattern of operations.
A second opposition council was established in Sana’a. Yemen’s opposition bloc, the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), announced it would establish the “National Council for the Forces of the Revolution.” Members of the council will be named in the coming weeks.
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.