![Yemeni government forces walk in Zinjibar on August 16th, 2016 after they entered the capital of the southern Abyan province following an offensive backed by Saudi-led airstrikes to recapture the city from al-Qaeda. [Saleh al-Obeidi/AFP]](/cnmi_am/images/2017/07/24/8913-yemen-abyan-zinjibar-700_496.webp)
Abyan governor Maj. Gen. Abu Bakr Hussein Salem met on Sunday (July 23rd) with commanders of the province's military brigades to urge them to boost the security forces' training and readiness in the face of terrorism.
Salem also called on Abyan residents to play an active role in confronting terrorist plots along with the army and security forces.
The meeting was held hours after suspected al-Qaeda gunmen assassinated the commander of the Security Belt Forces in Abyan's al-Wadie district, local media reported.
Commander Abdul Hakeem Ameer was killed and two of his bodyguards were wounded when unknown assailants in a pick-up truck opened fire on them at the market in al-Ayn city.
Ameer was head of the popular committees in al-Wadie before he took over the command of the Security Belt Forces in the district.
"We need to enhance our combat readiness as the country is still at war," deputy Abyan governor Abdulaziz al-Hamza told Al-Mashareq.
"Sleeper cells are awaiting a chance to carry out their terrorist, destructive plans to undermine security and stability in the province," he said.
Al-Hamza stressed the importance of residents' co-operation with security forces in countering terror cells and the Houthis (Ansarallah).
"The success of our military and security agencies is contingent upon citizens' co-operation, especially in light of the presence of sleeper cells," he said.
After the meeting, the governor visited the Khanfar market, al-Razi Hospital and the Zinjibar market to reassure residents that security has improved.
