Sanaa, Yemen: Suicide attack during military parade left more than 100 soldiers dead

SANAA, Yemen (Mon, May 21) – More than 100 soldiers were killed on Monday in Yemen's capital when a suicide bomber exploded himself during a military parade rehearsal. The suicide bombing is certainly one of the deadliest terror attacks in years in terms of loss of lives.

Yemeni Defense Ministry has confirmed the death of 96 soldiers in the latest suicide attack.

Sanaa, Yemen: Suicide attack during military parade left more than 100 soldiers dead

Nobody claimed responsibility for the attack that appeared to be a failed assassination attempt against the Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Nasser Ahmed, who reached at the city square for the parade just minutes before the suicide bomber blew up himself.

According to media reports based on eyewitnesses statements; the suicide bomber was a participant of the parade drill and was lined up with fellow soldiers at a main square in the capital, not far from the presidential palace. 

The suicide bomber was allegedly belonged to the Central Security, a paramilitary force led by Yahia – nephew of ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

As a ground reality; while fighting al-Qaeda militants, Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, has been entangled in a power struggle with loyalists of ex Yemeni leader. He has terminated the services of several of them along with family members from top positions in the armed forces, including the air force.

Monday's terror attack left a scene of massacre, with hundreds of bleeding soldiers lying on the ground as ambulances rushed to the scene. Several detached heads were on the roadway amid large pools of blood and human remains.

Report Tags: Yemen, Militants, Suicide bombing, al-Qaeda, President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, Terrorism, Terror attack,

Breaking!!! Saudi deputy consul, Abdullah al-Khalidi, kidnapped in Southern Yemeni city of Aden

ADEN, Yemen (Wed, Mar. 28) – According to a Yemeni security official; unidentified gunmen abducted Saudi Arabia's deputy consul from outside his home in the southern Yemeni port city of Aden on Wednesday.

Saudi diplomat, Abdullah al-Khalidi, kidnapped in Southern Yemeni city of Aden

The gunmen kidnapped Abdullah al-Khalidi as he was about to get into his car and escaped from the scene immediately taking Khalidi in another vehicle, police sources of Mansoura district revealed.

Police and other law enforcement agencies are carrying on a search operation in the city in an effort to locate and release Mr. Khalidi.

Aden is the city neighboring to Yemen's Abyan province where regime forces have been struggling to hold militant groups associated allegedly with Al-Qaeda.

Osama bin Laden's Yemeni wife Amal started hunger strike against unlawful detention in Pakistan: British media

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Dec. 10) – One of the three wives of Osama bin Laden has reportedly started hunger strike today (Saturday, Dec. 10) claiming that her detention in Pakistan is unlawful, British media reported.

Osama bin Laden's Yemeni wife Amal started hunger strike against unlawful detention in Pakistan

According to details; Osama bin Laden’s Yemeni wife Amal has announced her hunger strike till her freedom from detention. Her hunger strike call came hours after Pakistan announced that the other two wives of Bin Laden will travel back to their native country Saudi Arabia within one week; but Amal would not be traveled to her native country Yemen because of the refusal of Yemeni Authorities to accept her.

Amal’s brother Ahmed Zakriya has also confirmed the reports and told that Amal has started her hunger strike today and will continue until she will also be freed from detention.

All three of Bin Laden’s wives held in Pakistan after the raid in May that killed their husband and since then they were under the detention of Pakistan’s security agencies. With an official Pakistani inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the raid now complete, the Saudi wives - Khairiah Sabar and Siham Sabar - were free to go to Saudi Araboa as the Kindom has already restored their citizenship which was canceled in 1994 along with their husband Osama bin Laden.

Clashes Between Pro and Anti-regime Forces Left at Least Six Dead in Yemen

SANAA, Yemen (Oct. 16) – At least six reported killed, including five in capital Sanaa and one woman in southern city of Taiz, as a result of clashes between Yemeni protesters and pro-Saleh security forces, according to media reports.

At Least Six Killed in Yemen with New Wave of Violence

 Mohammed al-Qubati, a doctor at the field clinic at the demonstrators’ camp in Sanaa, told that three demonstrators and two soldiers who defected and joined the protesters were killed in the capital today.

Anti-regime protests started in Yemen with the beginning of this year inspired by the uprising and revolutions in neighbor countries like Tunisia and Egypt which forced the longtime rulers to roll their beds and leave the power.

The political crisis in Yemen worsened as military and tribal leaders joined the opposition. Efforts by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to broker a power-transfer agreement have already failed.

Continue reading after the ad below..

Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Yemen on last month after a 3-month medical treatment following a rocket attack on his palace by the anti-regime tribal forces.

Breaking News!! Al Qaeda's Top Bomb Maker, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, Survived in Al-Awlaki Strike

WASHINGTON - A top Yemeni official says al Qaeda's leading bomb maker in Yemen was not killed in the U.S. drone strike on a convoy two days ago, as claimed earlier.

Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, Survived in Al-Awlaki Strike as Claimed Earlier

U.S. intelligence officials had said that bomb maker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri may have been killed. But on Sunday a Yemeni official said al-Asiri was not among those who died in the drone attack.

Al-Asiri has been linked to the bomb that authorities allege a Nigerian man tried to detonate aboard a Detroit-bound plane in 2009. The Yemeni official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

Killed in the strike last Friday were the American-born radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and the co-editor of an online English-language magazine, Samir Khan, a Saudi-born Pakistani American who had urged American Muslims to carry out attacks.

Breaking News!! 29 troops killed in a misguided airstrike by Yemeni government: CNN Reports

SANA’A, Yemen (Oct. 02) – According to CNN reports quoting Yemeni security official; at least 29 troops were killed when a government warplane misguidedly bombed its own forces.

29 troops killed in a misguided airstrike by Yemeni government

According to details; State-run Saba News Agency rejected any such incident contrary to the information provided by Yemeni security official on condition on anonymity, stating the incident happened Saturday night in southern Abyan province, where battles is on between Yemeni forces and Islamic militants.

The pro-government troops were in a school building on the bounds of Zinjibar, the capital of the Abyan province, as a launching pad to strike at militants in the area when they were bombed, the official said further.

Militants have been fighting government forces since May, when they announced the province was an Islamic emirate.

Yemeni's Celebrated the Exit of President Saleh - - Saleh Not to Step Down: Saudi Officials

Yemeni's Celebrated the Exit of President Saleh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – According to a senior Saudi official; President Saleh has no plans to step down. “President Saleh has arrived in Riyadh for treatment, but he will return to Yemen,” the official said on condition of anonymity. 

Presently Yemen’s embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who got injured in rocket shelling by opposition tribesmen on his compound in the capital Sanaa, is in Riyadh for treatment. 

Although President Saleh’s condition is reported as stable; but sources told that it could take two weeks to get him back to Yemen. 

On the other hand; the departure of Yemen’s battle-wounded president for treatment in Saudi Arabia set off wild street celebrations Sunday in the capital, where crowds danced, sang and slaughtered cows in hopes that this spelled a victorious end to a more than three-month campaign to push their leader from power.

Wounded Yemen's Saleh Flew to Saudi Arabia for Treatment: Government Officials

President Ali Abdullah Saleh flew to SA

SANAA, YEMEN—Embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh flew to Saudi Arabia for medical care after he was wounded in a rocket attack on his palace, a senior government official said Sunday. Saleh’s abrupt departure threatened to deepen the crisis in his impoverished nation shaken by months of protests against his 33-year rule.

His departure followed intense pressure from his powerful Gulf neighbours and longtime ally Washington to step down. He had agreed to transfer power several times, only to step back at the last moment. Saleh might never return, given the opposition by large segments of the population and a powerful tribal alliance that took up arms after peaceful protests failed to persuade him to step down.

The government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to release the information, said Saleh had flown out of the country with most of his family. The official said he and others had only learned about Saleh’s plans after the president had left. The exact time of departure was not immediately known.

Continue Reading >>>>

President Saleh injured as opposition tribesmen attacked palalce with rockets

SANAA, Yemen (June 3) – At least six guards were killed and the embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh got injured along with his eight key officials in an attack from opposition tribesmen on today (Friday/June 03) . 

Political Protest Turns into civil war in Yemen

Reportedly, opposition tribesmen committed to depose him, attacked his palace with rockets on Friday in a major uprising of nearly two weeks of fighting with pro-government forces. 

According to official sources; President Saleh got slight injuries to the neck, and state-run TV channel aired a announcement saying he was "in good health" and would address to the public within hours. 

Nine Protesters Killed by Yemeni Forces Live Fire: Latest Al Jazeera Video

SANAA, Yemen - - Nine people were killed and dozens more were injured when security forces in the Capital Sanaa, the industrial centre of Taiz, and the Red Sea port city of Hudaida, Yemeni forces opened fire on the crowds, Al Jazeerah TV reports.

Thousands of protesters had been heading towards the cabinet building in their latest effort to force President Ali Abdullah Saleh from power. 

Top Al Qaeda Leader in Yemen - - Anwar al-Awlaki Survived U.S. Drone Attack on Thursday (May 6)

SANAA, Yemen – Anwar al-Awlaki, U.S.-Yemeni cleric and leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, survived U.S. drone attack on Thursday. Although two midlevel members of al Qaeda were killed in the drone attack but the main target, al-Awlaki, luckily survived. 

Top Al Qaeda Leader in Yemen - - Anwar al-Awlaki Survived U.S. Drone Attack on Thursday (May 6)

CBS News and The Wall Street Journal, quoting unnamed Yemeni and U.S. officials, said on Friday that Anwar al-Awlaki was not hit when a missile was fired at a car on Thursday in province of Shabwa, where al-Qaeda is deeply rooted, killing two brothers believed to be al Qaeda militants.

After killing al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden; U.S. has intensified its efforts to target the remaining top al Qaeda leaders, before they plan any counter attack on United States. Al Qaeda has already warned retaliation in the statement in which they confirmed the death of their leader Osama bin Laden and vowed “Americans happiness will turn to sadness”.

According to U.S. media reports Anwar al-Awlaqi is linked to al Qaeda and considered a major threat to the United States. He is also suspected of devising terrorist attacks on the U.S.

The director of the National Counter-terrorism Center Michael Leiter, told U.S. lawmakers in February this year that al-Awlaki was considered a top threat to the United States.

Death toll in Yemen explosion rises to at least 78 -- Al-Qaeda Militants Involved: Security Sources

SANAA - Security sources claimed that al-Qaeda militants were responsible for a deadly explosion in southern Yemen on Monday which killed at least 78, as per the latest reports. 

Yemen officials said 78 people were killed in a blast at an ammunition factory after it was temporarily taken over by militants and then looted by civilians.

About 30 armed and hooded gunmen mounted the raid and made off in four vehicles with cases of weapons, witnesses said.

Witnesses said the blast took place after Jaar residents seized the factory to steal ammunition a day after clashes broke out in the town between Islamist militants and the army.

Medical and security officials in the southern Abyan province where the blast took place Monday said many women and children from surrounding villages were killed and wounded in the attack.

Is President Saleh Quitting ...??? - - Critical Point for Yemen Protests

SANAA – It has been two months now when the anti-regime protests broken out in Yemen demanding the ousted of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and end of 32-year long government. 

President Saleh has apparently tried everything to cool down the situation but situation got worsened day by day until the last Friday when government security forces took the most brutal step and 46 Yemenis were killed, including some children, by snipers from the rooftops.

The brutal reaction caused the split in the military and it seems that sections of the military are now supporting protesters. The country faces an anxious wait to see if President Saleh steps aside peacefully or attempts to use the military to tighten his grip.

46 Killed Hundreds Injured in Sanaa as a Result of Brutal Sniper Shooting on Protesters

SANAA – At least 46 protesters killed on Friday and hundreds injured when a huge crowd of protester were shot by rooftop snipers while police blocked the only way out by the fire wall created by burning tyres and gasoline.

Reportedly, the 46 deaths in the brutal reaction by Yemen government include some children also. 

The striking rise in hostility against the anti-regime forces clearly showed that President Ali Abdullah Saleh was getting scared of end of his long regime in Yemen spread over more than 32 years. The United States, which has long relied on Saleh for help fighting terrorism, condemned the violence.

The carnage, however, failed to remove protesters from a large traffic circle they have dubbed "Taghyir Square" - Taghyir stands for Çhange in Arabic. Protesters didn’t leave their ground even after shooting and killing and continued demanding exit of Saleh. Some of the protesters, reportedly, threw stones on the security forces in response to live fire and tear gas.

They stormed several buildings where the snipers had taken position, dragging out 10 people - including some the protesters claimed were paid thugs. They said the men would be handed over to judicial authorities.

The protest began peacefully in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen, after the Friday prayers that drew the largest crowd yet in Yemen's uprising. However, a military helicopter flew low over the protesters gathered in a square.

Anti-regime Protests Continues in Yemen Despite of Increasing Crackdowns

SANAA, Yemen — Protests continue in Yemen as tens of thousands of protesters started gathering in a main square in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen, for Friday prayers and to voice their demands for the end of country’s 32-year-long regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. 

On the other side; hundreds of police and security forces are guarding the streets of Sanaa and elite forces are developing defences around the presidential compound, ministries and the headquarters of Yemen's ruling party.

Protesters have stayed out in main squares across Yemen for over a month, following the popular revolts across the Middle East, to demand President Ali Abdullah Saleh leave the government. Pro-regime forces have used live fire, rubber bullets, tear gas, sticks, knives and rocks in an increasingly lethal crackdown on the protesters.

Despite the violence, protesters say they won't go until Saleh does.

Political Revolution Waves in Middle East: Dozens Killed in Libya While Talks Begin in Bahrain

TRIPOLI - Security forces of Libya allegedly killed dozens of protesters by gun fires as they were struggling to establish anti-Gaddafi demonstration in the second biggest city Benghazi; while in the mean time Bahrain's rulers started negotiations with the opposition as turbulence persisted to sweep the Middle East.

  Anti-regime protesters in Bahrain crowded into Pearl Square in Manama on Saturday, defying riot police for their cause and set up camp for a extended stay.

The Libyan government restricted foreign media operating into the country since the uprising against Gaddafi regime exploded, and the witness' account could not be independently verified.

As yesterday reported ere; Human Rights Watch reports 84 people have been killed in Libya since the start of the protests. The rising death toll is a clear depiction the severity with which Libyan government has been trying to suppress the demonstrators.

Political revolt has started from Tunisia and made its way to Egypt later on, after the victory of anti regime forces there the revolution shock waves reached to Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait and Djibouti as people came out in to the streets demanding political and economic change.

Anti-regime forces faced fierce government reactions in Yemen, Algiers and Djibouti, while an Egyptian court approved a new party in a historical ruling. Authorities in Saudi Arabian Authorities arrested activists trying to set up the kingdom's first political party.

The Fall of Mubarak Regime in Egypt Revitalizes Anti-regime Forces in Arab and Middle East

TEHRAN, Iran - After the collapse of 30-year Mubarak regime in Egypt; pro-democracy forces in different countries of Arab and Middle East feeling their significance even though suppressed for the decades.

In Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen. anti-government protesters staged a demonstration on Saturday which was not quite significant in terms of numbers; but no one can say when this flare will turn into an uncontrolled jungle fire, when the voice of few thousand, "After Mubarak, it's Ali's turn", will become the nation’s demand.   

Then comes Algeria where on Saturday hundred of pro-democracy activists were detained by police for staging an anti-government demonstration, in Capital city of Algiers, despite of ban from the Algerian government. The government, following the footsteps of Mubarak, disconnect internet services in the country and deployed heavy number of police to nullify the effects of demonstrations.

The next week will start with the demonstrations in Bahrain and Iran. The opposition in Iran have already called their supporters on the internet. Reportedly, the call had been responded positively by numbers. 

The opposition revitalized its supporters for gathering in central Tehran on Monday; the statement was released on Kaleme.com on Sunday. Further in the statement; the duplicate behaviour of the Iranian government was criticized for verbal support to the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions while denying Iranian political protesters to stage a peaceful demonstration.      

What Next ..?? - Anti-Government Protests Sparked in Capital City of Yemen

SANAA, Yemen - "After Mubarak, it's Ali's turn," screaming almost 4,000 activists, mostly young students; gathered at Sanaa capital city of Yemen demanding President Ali Abdallah Saleh to bow out and pursue the case in point of Hosni Mubarak.

The protesters reportedly end up back to the Sanaa University chanting anti-government slogans. 

According to eyewitnesses; the protest was triggered by the a conflicting situation between two groups (Anti and pro-government) of students on the issue of putting up an anti-government poster.

Earlier by midday, the anti-government protesters had arrived at the Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, almost 500 metres from Al-Tahrir Square which was already occupied by approximately 10,000 pro-government supporters from General People's Congress (GPC).

Reportedly, the government supporters were armed with knives and dagger with a determination to keep away the anti-government protesters; if they would try to possess the Square. But  no clashes were reported at Al-Tahrir Square.  

On Friday, thousands of protesters came out in the streets of Yemen's capital to rejoice the resignation of the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.