Al-Qaeda attacks checkpoint in Yemen's Abyan

Al-Qaeda gunmen on Tuesday (August 1st) launched an attack on a military checkpoint in the Ahwar district of Abyan province, wounding three security personnel, local officials told Al-Mashareq.

The attack, launched in the pre-dawn darkness, came as the Yemeni army began a military campaign to clear the province of al-Qaeda.

The province's security committee on Sunday agreed to clear the province of al-Qaeda elements by sending military brigades to areas suspected of harbouring extremists, officials said.

A new military brigade has since arrived in Shaqra and Loder districts as part of efforts to step up security, said Abyan deputy governor Mohammed al-Jamha.

“Al-Qaeda elements launched their attack at 2:30 a.m.,” Ahwar dignitary Sheikh Ahmed Aqeel told Al-Mashareq.

After clashing at the checkpoint, the attackers fled towards Shaqra district, he said.

Aqeel urged Abyan’s leadership to quickly deploy military personnel and activate the new security plan to confront al-Qaeda, which has been launching sporadic attacks against the security forces.

“The people of Abyan in general support the military efforts to clear the province of the remnants of al-Qaeda, who are trying to undermine security and stability,” he said.

Clearing Abyan of extremists

During its Sunday meeting, Abyan’s security committee confirmed it would proceed with the war against al-Qaeda and other extremist groups that have recently re-surfaced in some districts.

“Clearing Abyan’s districts of al-Qaeda elements and extremists in general has become a necessary requirement for establishing security and stability,” said deputy governor for security affairs Mohammed Nasser al-Jahma.

“The military reinforcements included a military brigade that was stationed in Jaheen area, and another brigade in Shaqra district,” he told Al-Mashareq.

Public co-operation is essential to the campaign's success, he stressed.

The security committee has warned residents that if they know there are terrorists present in their areas and they remain silent, they will be considered accomplices in any attacks these elements stage, he added.

“After clearing the province of al-Qaeda elements, Abyan will seek a strong and efficient presence of state military, security and civil institutions,” al-Jahma said.

Restoring the judicial system

Abyan province has begun to restore its judicial institutions, deputy Abyan governor Abdulaziz al-Hamza told Al-Mashareq.

“The governor has dedicated his own residence to the court of appeals in the province and named it the Palace of Justice, as it also hosts the public prosecution,” he said.

The province's authorities are working to ensure that civil and service institutions in all districts have an effective presence, he added.

The military campaign will be an important component of the push to establish stability in the province and thereby foster development, al-Hamza said.