Al-Qaeda terrorises Zinjibar residents

The Yemeni army continues to battle al-Qaeda fighters in the northern section of Zinjibar. [Khaled Abdullah Ali Al Mahdi / Reuters]

The Yemeni army continues to battle al-Qaeda fighters in the northern section of Zinjibar. [Khaled Abdullah Ali Al Mahdi / Reuters]

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More than two months after the Yemeni Army ended a 100-day siege imposed by al-Qaeda in the southern city of Zinjibar, battles are continuing between the 25th Mechanized Brigade and al-Qaeda fighters entrenched in the northern end of the city.

Zinjibar resembles a ghost town as most of the city's residents fled to the neighbouring province of Aden to escape the oppression of al-Qaeda and its methods of terror.

The organisation's branch in Yemen, calling itself "Ansar al-Sharia", seized control of Zinjibar in late May. The 25th Mechanized Brigade held them off for three months until the army was able to reach the city and end the siege in September.

Adam Ali, a soldier in the brigade, told Al-Shorfa, "I did not expect to come out of this months-long siege alive. My comrades and I would wake up in the morning and not know whether we would live to see the evening, especially after al-Qaeda slaughtered seven of my comrades."

"Why did they kill our fellow soldiers after capturing them alive? Why did they behead them?" he asked.

Ali, who said he and his colleagues lived in a hole one metre deep during the siege and used the latrine only once a day, told Al-Shorfa how communication with Ansar al-Sharia elements was conducted during the siege.

"We used to talk to them using a telephone number they gave us over a loudspeaker. They called on us to surrender and give up our weapons to 'spare our five senses'. One soldier responded, not to surrender but to ask if he could purchase a few necessities in a market in the centre of Zinjibar that al-Qaeda controlled. He has not yet returned, and we know nothing about his fate," he said.

Ali said al-Qaeda fighters had barricaded themselves in people's homes and launched attacks on the brigade, which caused many residents to leave Zinjibar. They also fired machine guns in the streets and alleys to scare the residents who fled en masse, he said.

Saleh Salem, 40, a public sector worker, is one of the residents who fled the armed clashes to Aden.

Salem said he, his children, and his wife walked dozens of kilometres on rugged roads at night to reach Aden. He did not bring any possessions from his house.

"I have no idea what happened to my house three months after we fled the armed confrontations and the tactics al-Qaeda used to intimidate us and seize our homes as barricades which they used to attack the army," he said.

Abdullah Amarem, head of the political department for the ruling Congress Party in Abyan province and a Zinjibar resident, told Al-Shorfa, "Zinjibar is devoid of its residents. Their suffering has increased dramatically because of poor conditions in the refugee camps. Some have tried to return, but the army turned them back because of the danger and the landmines, and so that the army could continue its battle against al-Qaeda."

Amarem said when he tried recently to return to his home in a neighbourhood that is still under al-Qaeda's control so he could move his furniture to his temporary residence in Aden, al-Qaeda fighters took him to their emir upon his arrival to the city. They interrogated him and verified his identity before allowing him to move his furniture.

"I almost paid for moving my furniture with my life," he said.

Amarem described the organisation's fighters by saying, "They stand out with their black headdresses, shoulder-length hair and long beards."

He added, "Al-Qaeda decimated crops and cattle in Abyan and terrorised women and children. Families were forced to flee for their lives rather than face the horror caused by al-Qaeda's elements. They talk about Islam but have no connection to it. Otherwise, why do they slaughter the soldiers they capture, and why are they trying to establish an Islamic emirate on the bodies of soldiers and civilians?"

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  • READER COMMENTS

    شكور عبدالوهاب

    2011-12-19

    The Al-Qaeda organization is trying to terrify the civilians and the innocent people through these terrorist acts, which are added to their infidel and deviant acts which are perpetrated in some Yemeni cities, including the city of Jaar, which is still reeling from the impact of the control by the al-Qaeda terrorist organization since several months ago. The criminals of the al-Qaeda organization appointed themselves to rule those innocent Yemeni people and they are trying to prove to others that they govern according to their systems in their new province that they are controlling. This matter is unacceptable and cannot be continued. Whoever appointed those criminals to carry out these horrible crimes against civilians, such as cutting off hands or stoning people alive, or the so-called carrying out of God's laws? These have caused a lot of pain and suffering to the Yemeni people due to these crimes of genocide in broad daylight. Who is the al-Qaeda organization to issue the laws and to implement the provisions in this bloody way, and who allowed them to do so? Who appointed those criminals to control the destiny and the lives of the innocent Yemeni people?

  • وحيد صدقي

    2011-12-19

    I believe that the method of claiming to carry out God's laws that is followed by the murderers and the criminals of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization is just completing a series of crimes and genocide followed by this corrupt organization against the civilians of the Yemeni people. We are going through a very bad and complicated situation today, and many people have suffered from the methods carried out by the criminal terrorist organization against the innocent civilians, after a number of criminals and fools appointed themselves as judges who rule according to the way they like. The execution operations carried out against the civilians in Yemen, cutting off hands and stoning people, are among the horrible crimes. We can do nothing but to condemn, reject and deplore them.

  • سلام

    2011-12-17

    God willing, everything will be ok, because God supports righteousness. God will annul falsehood, because His religion is fair and pure. Religion is righteousness and fairness; it does not play with the minds of Muslims. We want to regain the glories our country again, and we want to stand against falsehood. We want to be the way we used to be in the past. We want to retaliate for our straightforward religion. Al-Qaeda will know that we are stronger than they are. No power in the world will be able to manipulate the Muslims or apply the prescribed punishments and this or that person. We are Muslims; we know righteousness and falsehood. We challenge al-Qaeda no matter what. I call on every honest Yemeni to stand up against the terrorists of al-Qaeda. Yemenis should fight them and never let them do what they want. God willing, righteousness will be victorious and falsehood will be defeated. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds!

  • مقداد هادي

    2011-12-14

    Terrorist al-Qaeda is based on only one equation: those who do not collaborate with it will be condemned to death and assassinated in a cruel way, so as to frighten people and terrorize them. In fact, through its leaders and members, al-Qaeda has tried to spread the terrorist and Takfiri ideology and to murder people for no reason. They consider this act Halal, given that they are struggling. What Jihad are they talking about? We have seen only a letter from al-Qaeda leaders in which they talk about Jihad, but none of them is able to face the real religious scholars, who would expose their lies and filthy tricks, which have become clear. In fact, they are exploiting religion only to legitimize themselves and as a means to fool and deceive people, particularly the youth, who are motivated to conservatism and protecting Islam and its principles. However, everyone has really let al-Qaeda down. Consequently, this contributed to setting back and undermining this organization over recent years. In fact, it has lately been exposed, and its leaders thought that they had deceived the entire world. They also thought that in killing in such a way, they would find people who would follow them. Yet, thank God, the campaigns which have been conducted by the religious scholars everywhere to expose al-Qaeda have brought about good results. The latter consist in bringing the youth back to their awareness, and this contributed to making them leave al-Qaeda and its deviant ideology.

  • احمد النجار

    2011-12-14

    The situation in Yemen is really dangerous, and I am really worried about the future of this country if al-Qaeda continues to take control of some of the regions there, particularly in the south, given that it is taking control by force there. In addition, the Yemeni army must interfere on a larger scale and combat al-Qaeda. Also, all the Arab and neighboring countries must support the Yemeni army in fighting al-Qaeda. In fact, Arab countries supported Bahrain through sending military forces to put down popular demonstrations. On the other hand, however, they have not sent any aid or army to fight al-Qaeda in Yemen, although everyone is aware that people are suffering and oppressed a lot in these regions. Thus, al-Qaeda is working on terrorizing people by all the permissible and non-permissible ways and means, through murdering people, condemning them to death and cutting up their bodies or beheading them. In fact, this is the policy and the means of al-Qaeda. Indeed, we have already witnessed and know that al-Qaeda is trying to take control through carrying out such crimes in order to terrorize people and urge them to adhere to this organization. As a matter of fact, we notice that the influence of al-Qaeda is unfortunately increasing, because it is not combated appropriately as required. In fact, this organization is proliferating in the south and will represent a great danger, not only to Yemen but to the entire Gulf and Arab region. Therefore, everyone will be regretful if al-Qaeda manages to locate in Yemen and move its organization from Afghanistan to this country.

  • فهد الحسيني

    2011-12-14

    The terrorist organizations, and especially al-Qaeda, have committed many crimes and they have issued many Fatwas in order allow the shedding of innocent people’s blood. In fact, they have issued the Fatwas of people’s retaliation. And they have accused the innocent in order to shed their blood and to steal their money. This is in order to spread fear and terror among Yemenis, who have been suffering from the terrorist operations that have led to the deaths of their children and to the displacement of their families. Thus, the Yemeni government must provide protection and security for Yemenis. It must also protect them from the criminal acts that have been carried out by the criminal organizations against the weak people. In fact, the government must protect the weak citizens from those who want to attack them or to threaten their security and stability. And it should be noted that the activity of al-Qaeda started to increase in Yemen during the recent period. In fact, the terrorist organization of al-Qaeda has exploited the events taking place in Yemen, which has witnessed popular demonstrations in order to call for reform and change. This is also in order to provide services for Yemenis. Thus, the Yemeni army has been occupied with the protection of the country’s security. That’s why the terrorist organizations have reorganized their ranks, in order to impose their domination on some of the Yemeni regions. In fact, they have expelled the citizens and they have carried out violent operations of killing and displacement. They have also punished all those who have opposed their opinions. This has led to a state of fear and terror in the country, due to these criminal operations that have been carried out by the members of al-Qaeda, especially since the governmental authorities have not deterred them.

  • ابو مصعب الزناتى

    2011-12-5

    How did you know that this happened? This might be a media fabrication. If they were as you describe, God would not have granted them victory over the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and showed with his mercy and bounty the strength of his soldiers. Please, verify the news before cursing anyone, so as not to be cursed.

  • جبار

    2011-12-4

    We pray to Almighty God to grant Yemen and its people security and stability and to restore tranquility to this country again. We ask Almighty God to help the Yemeni people live a life of dignity, which they are waiting for, and to make these crises pass peacefully and let Yemen experience calmness, stability and tranquility, and let it get rid of all its internal problems. Moreover, we call on God to help the Yemeni people get rid of the terrorist al-Qaeda organization, which was one of the reasons that complicated the situation in Yemen, through the crimes which this infidel organization is committing against the innocent people in a number of the Yemeni governorates. O God, we ask you to grant safety and security to the Yemeni people and to put an end to all the problems from which they are suffering, and let complete stability prevail all over Yemen, so that happiness could return to the Yemeni people, who have lacked stability for ages. We call on you, God, to grant Yemen the stability which will help the Yemeni people live in welfare and happiness, please God.

  • Badr

    2011-12-1

    Terrorism has unfortunately grown more powerful in Yemen. In fact, it has killed citizens to show solidarity with the country’s filthy ruler who has been working on sabotaging the country and murdering the innocent. In this respect, al-Qaeda wants only to terrorize people and divert their minds as well as to sow dissension and sectarianism in the region. In addition, it is inciting murder and booby-trapping. God willing, it will vanish very soon and we will get rid of it once and for all. Thus, I am one of those who are mostly worried about our dear Yemen of terrorism and terrorists because we must act toward their criminal acts. In addition, al-Qaeda must be faced given that it is opting for various methods in order to murder and terrorize the poor Yemenis. In fact, people are suffering a lot because of hunger, thirst, diseases, oppression, and despicable al-Qaeda which is claiming the lives of the innocent. I wonder how we can keep silent about this issue. May praise be to Allah, none of the Arabs react but Allah is with them and will solve all the problems that relate to terrorism and terrorists. May Allah sow division between them, disperse them and put wealth in the hands of the righteous, O Allah the Almighty. In fact, the growing influence of al-Qaeda in some Yemeni regions represents a clear threat to all Yemenis. Thus, I believe that the Yemeni Government must face al-Qaeda but the Government, itself, is unfortunately working on destroying and wreaking havoc in the region. What should we say about them except that Allah is our only Helper.

  • هيام ربيع

    2011-11-27

    I think that the least they can do is to abandon this criminal organization, which pays heed neither to what is permitted nor to what is forbidden. They have to ask for God’s forgiveness and apologize to humanity because of the heinous and brutal crimes they have committed. All these reasons are motives for individuals to abandon this organization. Thus, this organization will vanish once and for all. That is why many members who used to work for this organization have abandoned it, because they had bet on a loser from the start.

  • ابو عبدالله

    2011-11-27

    The terrorist organization of al-Qaeda has spread fear and terror in Yemen through its criminal methods. In fact, this has been added to its criminal and evil reputation, which includes many kinds of criminal practices. This terrorist organization has carried out different attacks through car bombs and explosive belts. The terrorists of al-Qaeda have also carried out mass murders, especially in the regions that have been under their domination, such as the city of Zinjibar in the province of Abyan. In fact, the remnants of al-Qaeda have occupied this province, and they have caused the displacement of its citizens. Thus, Zinjibar has become like a ghost town, without people and activity. Thus, the Yemeni Army has intervened in order to fight the terrorist organization of the al-Qaeda. Thanks be to God Almighty, that the security forces have succeeded in expelling the terrorists of al-Qaeda from the city by fighting these organizations that surrounded the city for many months. In fact, the terrorist organization of al-Qaeda has issued many deviant fatwas that have nothing to do with the tolerant Islamic religion. They have issued these fatwas against the people in order to win support and legitimacy. This is why they have slaughtered innocent people and hung their heads on the trunks of palm trees under the pretext of defending God Almighty from the infidels and traitors. Therefore, according to al-Qaeda, the infidels and traitors are among the Yemeni army, because they have fought them.

  • صديق محمد

    2011-11-27

    The deviant organization has used new methods in order to spread terror and fear among safe societies. In fact, they have beheaded the innocent Yemenis, especially those who have opposed their criminal operations. The terrorist organization of the al-Qaeda has also sown fear and terror among the families, due to their terrorist acts in the region. This has increased the people’s suffering, especially in the regions that have witnessed the presence of the terrorist organization of al-Qaeda. Now these citizens are living in the camps and they cannot return to their houses, because of al-Qaeda’s domination. Besides this, al-Qaeda has targeted the military forces.

  • وليد

    2011-11-26

    These criminal organizations have no mercy and no humanity. And they have not respected the human rights that have been guaranteed by the divine religions. In fact, human beings are of the highest value in life, because they were created by God Almighty. And they have been asked by God Almighty to build the land in order to achieve prosperity and to provide services for people. Thus, they must not kill people or destroy the safe societies.

  • خالص سليم

    2011-11-26

    Thousands of curses upon them, and I call for Almighty God to save us from them and their evil, and to make welfare and victory happen at the hands of the Arab and the Muslims. This is so that we can return the right of Islam which has been taken from them without their knowing that, because they have taken the Islamic religion as a cover for their dirty and cowardly acts. God willing, Islam will take the right from them and from the dirty acts they are carrying out. I pray against them in every prayer, that God will bury them under the earth and place them with the mean people, God willing, and that the earth will be their grave, and what is on the earth should be a lesson to them, and it will have a great impact in the world. God willing, their end is near, and they will get their fair punishment for the crimes they have committed against the Arab and Islamic nations. May God avenge them and make their end very near. What is going on in all the Arab countries is a result of the cowardly criminal acts they have carried out and what they have brought for the Arab nation. The Arab countries contain many of the al-Qaeda organization’s groups, who are tucked. They are working on raising strife and sectarian works, as well as works of hatred and strife. The Arab countries will not surrender unless terrorism and terrorists have been removed from their lives forever. I pray to Almighty God to save us from terrorism and terrorists and the dirty acts they carry out against the Arab nation and the Muslims; may God save us from their evil deeds. You are the All-Knowing.

  • غانم عادل

    2011-11-23

    The governments must support all the security forces. This is in order to launch campaigns and attacks that will get rid of the cowardly terrorist groups and gangs that don’t want the wellbeing of this nation. In fact, these terrorists have been the reason behind all the deterioration taking place in the Arab and Islamic nation. In fact, they have tried to tarnish the image of the tolerant Islamic religion, which forbids killing and violating people’s honor. Besides, the Islamic religion doesn’t incite people to terrorize Muslims, because this is a terrorist and malicious act which proves the criminality, violence, ugliness and brutality of the cowardly groups of al-Qaeda. Thus, may God damn all the terrorist gangs that call themselves the groups of the terrorist al-Qaeda.

  • حارث

    2011-11-20

    The terrorists fight the Sharia of God that was given to the Muslims. Hence, we have to fight all of those who fight the teachings and beliefs of the Islamic religion, because they are the enemies of God and the enemies of Islam. Al-Qaeda has malicious elements and they must be fought and eliminated, so as not to cause any harm to the citizens, especially the women, children, elders and youth. May God curse all those who exploit such occasions and celebrations to defame Islam or tarnish its pure teachings, which promote tolerance, mercy, kindness and humanity, as well as the rejection of the manifestations of violence, criminality and brutality. All of the concerned authorities in Yemen must fight against all terrorists and criminal elements that tamper with the security and stability of the state, by chasing and arresting them, to bring them to justice in order for them to receive their fair punishment, God willing. That is because they inflicted harm on the innocent citizens, who have no guilt in what is happening. May God curse al-Qaeda, who is the enemy of humanity, Islam and God. We have to fight them and refrain from helping them in Yemen in any way, in order to deprive them of any chance to implement their malicious and hostile wishes or to spread their thoughts and evil acts that would eliminate the Yemeni people.