According to reports, around 40 people were killed and several others were injured when an al Qaeda bomber blew himself off on August 4, 2012 in the Abyan province. The bombing targeted a condolence ceremony by the pro-government fighters in the Jaar town. The attacker detonated his explosives belt inside a meeting room where the victims were offering condolences to head of the pro-government fighters, who supported the army in the offensive that drove Al-Qaeda militants out of their strongholds in Abyan.1 Many terrorist cells and operatives have been arrested in recent weeks within an extensive hunt for militants who were reported to have planned to regroup and recruit new fighters after their defeat in the south. In retaliation for the severe blows, al-Qaeda has carried out deadly suicide bombings in several Yemeni cities including the capital Sanaa targeting military and security chiefs, personnel, cadets and offices. 2

• 1. “Al-Qaeda Deadly Bombing Kills, Injures Dozens in South Yemen, Sources”, Yemen Post, August 5, 2012, at http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5816&MainCat=3
• 2. Toll from Southern Yemen Suicide Bombing Rises to over 40, Tens Injured, Yemen Post, August 5, 2012, at http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=5817&MainCat=3