Yemen clerics in jihad threat
Friday, Jan 15, 2010
Gulf News
Dubai A group of Yemeni clerics yesterday called for jihad against foreign occupation, as the government declared open war on Al Qaida and warned its citizens against aiding the global terrorist group.
"Security forces are launching a wide campaign against Al Qaida elements," a security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"If any party insists on aggression, or invades the country, then according to Islam, jihad becomes obligatory," said a statement signed by 150 clerics and read at a news conference in the capital Sana'a.
The clerics also rejected "any security or military agreement or cooperation [between Yemen and] any foreign party if it violates Islamic Sharia" and "setting up [of] any military bases in Yemen, or in its territorial waters".
The group also said it believes an international conference on Yemen, to be held on January 27 in London, was intended to clear the way for the Arab country's occupation by foreign nations. The conference will be attended by the United States and European countries.
On Wednesday, the chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Carl Levin, urged Washington to consider targeting Al Qaida terrorists in Yemen with drones, air strikes or covert operations.
"Most options ought to be on the table," short of invasion by US forces, the Michigan Democrat said.
Nicole Stracke, Security and Terrorism Researcher at the Gulf Research Centre in Dubai, told Gulf News Levin's comments were "shocking".
"The population is already very weary and sensitive to any perceived US involvement in Yemen," she said.
Asked whether the call for jihad would resonate among the people, she said because of the nature of Yemeni tribal society, people reject outside interference. "They even reject government interference, so you can imagine what this will mean if there is a foreign occupation."
The clerics' warning goes straight to the Yemeni government's dilemma in cooperating with Washington against the Al Qaida offshoot in the country. In doing so, Yemen's regime must avoid upsetting Abdul Majid Al Zindani and other radical Islamic figures whose support it needs to stay in power.
Training
US President Barack Obama has said he does not plan to send American combat troops to Yemen, although Washington is increasing counterterrorism aid and training to Yemeni forces to battle Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
Concern about the growing capabilities of Yemen's Al Qaida offshoot increased after the failed attempt to bomb a US airliner shortly before it landed in Detroit on December 25. US investigators say the Nigerian suspect in the failed attack told them he received training and instructions from Al Qaida operatives in Yemen.
By Layelle Saad
Gulf News
Dubai A group of Yemeni clerics yesterday called for jihad against foreign occupation, as the government declared open war on Al Qaida and warned its citizens against aiding the global terrorist group.
"Security forces are launching a wide campaign against Al Qaida elements," a security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"If any party insists on aggression, or invades the country, then according to Islam, jihad becomes obligatory," said a statement signed by 150 clerics and read at a news conference in the capital Sana'a.
The clerics also rejected "any security or military agreement or cooperation [between Yemen and] any foreign party if it violates Islamic Sharia" and "setting up [of] any military bases in Yemen, or in its territorial waters".
The group also said it believes an international conference on Yemen, to be held on January 27 in London, was intended to clear the way for the Arab country's occupation by foreign nations. The conference will be attended by the United States and European countries.
On Wednesday, the chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Carl Levin, urged Washington to consider targeting Al Qaida terrorists in Yemen with drones, air strikes or covert operations.
"Most options ought to be on the table," short of invasion by US forces, the Michigan Democrat said.
Nicole Stracke, Security and Terrorism Researcher at the Gulf Research Centre in Dubai, told Gulf News Levin's comments were "shocking".
"The population is already very weary and sensitive to any perceived US involvement in Yemen," she said.
Asked whether the call for jihad would resonate among the people, she said because of the nature of Yemeni tribal society, people reject outside interference. "They even reject government interference, so you can imagine what this will mean if there is a foreign occupation."
The clerics' warning goes straight to the Yemeni government's dilemma in cooperating with Washington against the Al Qaida offshoot in the country. In doing so, Yemen's regime must avoid upsetting Abdul Majid Al Zindani and other radical Islamic figures whose support it needs to stay in power.
Training
US President Barack Obama has said he does not plan to send American combat troops to Yemen, although Washington is increasing counterterrorism aid and training to Yemeni forces to battle Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
Concern about the growing capabilities of Yemen's Al Qaida offshoot increased after the failed attempt to bomb a US airliner shortly before it landed in Detroit on December 25. US investigators say the Nigerian suspect in the failed attack told them he received training and instructions from Al Qaida operatives in Yemen.
By Layelle Saad
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