State officials confirm on Wednesday that Islamic militants linked to al-Qaeda targeted earlier today a major military headquarters in the southern seaport of Aden, an area which carries much importance geo-strategically as it sits directly on Bab al-Mandeb and offers an opening onto both the Africa and Asia, a crossroad of sorts in between continents.
Saba, (state news agency) quoted security forces as saying that at least six soldiers had died in the clashes. According to preliminary reports, al-Qaeda militants attempted to storm the Fourth Division headquarters, which is located in al-Tawahi district, near al-Maalla. In a move reminiscent of last December’s attack on the Defence Ministry, terror militants created a diversion by ramming a car laden with explosives into the base main entrance. Foot-militants subsequently tried to breach security, shooting their way through.
So far officials have confirmed that three terror militants were killed in the fighting.
It is important to note that Wednesday’s attack came amid warnings from security experts that al-Qaeda will attempt to gain a foot-hold in Aden, ahead of an ambition take-over of Yemen’ southern region. Back in 2012 when Ansar Allah was (an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Yemen) was chased off Jaar and Zinjibar, two cities in Abyan the group’s leadership warned Abyan had been but an experiment, letting on it had much grander ambition over Yemen.
And indeed, experts’ fears are now materializing. By storming one of Aden’s main military base al-Qaeda quite simply staked its claim over the city, leaving residents deeply fearful of their city’s future.
A security official in Sana’a explained that al-Qaeda’s targeting of the Fourth Division only confirms Islamic militants’ well preparedness and keen understanding of the country’s military and security apparatus. In charge of the presidential palace in Aden, as well as the local secret services offices and the local radio and televisions studio, the Fourth Brigade watches over key strategic institutions.
“The move aimed to completely disable Aden’ security …” said the officer under cover of anonymity.
Residents in Aden have confirmed over the phone late this afternoon that violent clashes in al-Tawahi are still ongoing. The area has been completely cordoned off by the military and reinforcements have been sent to the Fourth Brigade to prevent a spill over.
The Defence Ministry has yet to issue an official statement.