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Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:08:28 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Saturday, April 14, 2012 .

1 Yemen al-Qaeda attack leaves twelve dead
2 Iran nuclear negotiations continue
3 US Secret Service agents relieved in light of alleged misconduct
4 Severe 'life-threatening' weather forecast for Midwestern US
5 Antarctic emperor penguin population approximated from space

Yemen al-Qaeda attack leaves twelve dead [edit]

Twelve people were killed in an al-Qaeda militant attack on a security checkpoint yesterday in Aden, Yemen, according to the country's Defense Ministry. Four Yemeni security force members and eight al-Qaeda militants are among the dead. Four additional people were wounded, including two al-Qaeda fighters and two members of the security force.

Al-Qaeda has been present in Yemen for several years, but gained traction last year when movements across the country called for the ouster of leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. Officials, who were unauthorized to speak to the press, spoke of the attack on the condition of anonymity.

Sources

Ahmed Al-Haj. "Yemen: 12 killed in militant attack in south" — Associated Press, April 14, 2012
Mohammed Hatem. "Yemen Says 12 Killed in Latest Fighting Between Al-Qaeda, Army" — Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012

Iran nuclear negotiations continue [edit]

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and six other nations continued yesterday and have made progress, according to diplomats. The meeting is the first time Iran has met with world powers in over a year. When the meeting broke for lunch, a diplomat warned of premature optimism, however. The diplomat also mentioned the possibility of reaching common ground in the future.

Iran continues to insist that the development of a nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a preemptive strike, saying that his country would be threatened by Iran achieving nuclear capability. Although U.S. President Barack Obama has not eliminated the possibility of using military force against Iran, he has expressed desire for a diplomatic solution instead.

Sources

Associated Press. "Iran nuclear negotiations: Talks 'progressing well'" — The Times of India, April 14, 2012
Roy Gutman. "After 'constructive' talks on Iran nuclear program, hopes rise for diplomacy" — The Miami Herald, April 14, 2012

US Secret Service agents relieved in light of alleged misconduct [edit]

Approximately twelve members of the United States Secret Service, including agents, were relieved from their duties after allegations of misconduct, reportedly involving prostitution. The agents were serving in Colombia preceding a visit by President Barack Obama. Despite the incident, however, the agency claims that security for the President was never compromised.

All questions directed to the White House pertaining to the matter have been redirected to the Secret Service. President Obama is visiting Colombia to participate in the Summit of the Americas, where he plans to discuss issues including trade policy.

Sources

"Secret Service agents relieved of duty in Colombia amid alleged misconduct" — CNN, April 14, 2012
Donovan Slack, Josh Gerstein, Carrie Budoff Brown. "Secret Service scandal rocks Obama trip" — Politico, April 14, 2012

Severe 'life-threatening' weather forecast for Midwestern US [edit]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center issued a high risk warning on Friday for parts of several U.S. states, with Oklahoma and Kansas expected to be the most impacted by severe weather. Accuweather meteorologist Paul Walker told ABC News that the weekend "should be particularly dangerous" and that the issuance of a warning two days prior to severe weather is unusual.

Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are urging residents to watch the situation and make emergency plans with their families.

Sources

Alyssa Newcomb. "Forecasters Warn of Violent,' Life-Threatening' Storms for Midwest" — ABC News, April 14, 2012
Sean Murphy. "'Life-threatening' storms feared for Midwest" — The Sacramento Bee, April 14, 2012

Antarctic emperor penguin population approximated from space [edit]

Scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia used satellite imagery to approximate the Antarctic population of emperor penguins at approximately 600,000, nearly double that of previous estimates. The scientists used high resolution imagery to ensure the ability to distinguish between shadows, excrement and the penguins themselves. They also found approximately 238,000 breeding pairs of penguins in Antarctica. Two-decade-old studies estimated this number to be between 135,000 and 175,000.

Although the population estimate is higher than before, their numbers may decline in the coming years if current climate trends continue, according to researchers. Researcher Phil Trathan said "Current research suggests that emperor penguin colonies will be seriously affected by climate change." The species, which only occupies Antarctica, is currently listed as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Sources

Alex Morales. "Penguin Count Doubles as Satellite Sees Birds" — Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012
Jonathan Amos. "Emperor penguins counted from space" — BBC News, April 13, 2012

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Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 03:58:42 GMT

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

An explosion at a weapons factory in Yemen killed dozens of people yesterday. According to estimates, over one hundred people may have died in the blast.

According to the BBC, at least 78 people were killed, while The Independent reported that over one hundred people had been killed. The explosion occurred in the southern town of Ja`ar, located in the province of Abyan.

Local media reported that forces loyal to Al-Qaeda had raided the factory on Sunday. They added that residents were forced to gather supplies from the factory, when a cigarette reportedly triggered the explosion.

State news agency Saba said that militants had "seized the factory on Sunday and pushed citizens to [loot] its contents, which led to inflaming of gunpowder and explosives in the factory."

A local doctor said that "[t]his accident is a true catastrophe, the first of its kind in Abyan. There are so many burned bodies. I can't even describe the situation."

An accurate death toll is reportedly difficult to ascertain due to the condition of bodies, many of which have severe burns.

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Sources [edit]

"Yemen weapons factory hit by deadly explosions" — BBC News Online, March 28, 2011
"Accidental explosion at Yemen arms factory kills 100" — The Independent, March 29, 2011

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45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:56:03 GMT

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

45 people have been killed in Yemen after gunmen fired on protesters in the city of Sana'a. Several hundred more were injured.

The origins of the gunmen are not known for certain, but it is believed that both government security forces and civilian supporters of the government are responsible.

The shootings occurred shortly after midday prayers when protesters began moving towards a burning car. According to witnesses, several warning shots were fired by security forces before they fired on protesters, soon joined by gunmen on the tops of buildings.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, however, has denied that the government is responsible for the deaths. He said that "[w]hat happened today was very regrettable, the death of our children." He also ordered a state of emergency, which would ban civilians from bearing weapons, to be declared.

One opposition leader termed the incident a "massacre," and called it "part of a criminal plan to kill off the protesters, and the president and his relatives are responsible for the bloodshed in Yemen today." Another said the events have caused there to be "no longer any possibility of mutual understanding" between the opposition and government.

Tourism Minister Nabil al-Faqih resigned in protest after the killings. Another prominent ruling-party member, Mohammed al-Qadhi, said "[w]e condemn these crimes against humanity." He had already resigned last week. "Even if it's plainclothes men firing on the protesters it is still the government's responsibility to protect them."

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Sister links [edit]

2011 Yemeni protests

Sources [edit]

"Yemen unrest: 'Dozens killed' as gunmen target rally" — BBC News Online, March 18, 2011
"Yemen police massacre 45 protesters" — The Guardian, March 18, 2011

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Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:48:05 GMT

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

Police forces in Yemen opened fire on protesters with gunfire, tear gas and water cannons Saturday morning, killing four people in two separate events.

The incidents began overnight, after the largest protests yet on Friday drew some 100,000 people. Before dawn, security troops attacked protesters in the capitol city of Sana'a; several hours earlier they had surrounded a central square where protestors were located. At around five in the morning local time, security forces began firing on the protesters, using first water cannons, and shortly thereafter tear gas and live ammunition. Witnesses said the attack began shortly after morning prayers.

Three people were killed in Sana'a, while a teenage boy was also killed in Mukalla. The scene in Sana'a was described by one protester as "total mayhem [...] a real battlefield."

In response to the deaths, the US embassy in Sana'a issued a report saying that the Yemeni government should investigate the events, and denied claims that the US government "has somehow condoned the use of violence by any side." US counterterrorism official John O. Brennan said that both the opposition and government "should respond constructively to President Saleh's call to engage in a serious dialogue to end the current impasse."

Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh had previously said the government would not use violence against protesters, and according to O'Brennan had "reiterated his hope that the opposition will engage immediately in a dialogue with the government as well as his public assurance not to use violence against peaceful demonstrators" in the wake of the deaths on Saturday.

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Sources [edit]

"In Yemeni Capital, Security Forces Attack Protest Encampment" — The New York Times, March 12, 2011
"Yemen police kill protesters in crackdown on dissent" — The Guardian, March 12, 2011

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US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:36:04 GMT

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Crime and law

Sources [edit]

Learn more about Targeted killing and Anwar al-Awlaki on Wikipedia.

"Judge dismisses US cleric targeted-killing suit" — Agence France-Presse, December 7, 2010
"Judge tosses targeted-killing case of cleric" — Associated Press, December 7, 2010
FOX News / Newscore. "Judge dismisses case against killing of Awlaki" — New York Post, December 7, 2010

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Latest 'CableGate' disclosures hint at US diplomatic tactics in Spain and beyond

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:39:43 GMT

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Spain

Sources

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

AFP. "US pressured Spain to quash investigations: WikiLeaks" — Expatica Spain, November 30, 2010
DPA. "WikiLeaks: US pressured Spain to shelve Iraq, Guantanamo cases" — Earth Times, November 30, 2010
DPA. "WikiLeaks: US offered to pay countries to take in Guantanamo inmates" — Monsters and Critics, November 30, 2010
David Leigh. "US embassy cables leak sparks global diplomatic crisis" — The Guardian, November 28, 2010
"Spanish judge Garzon faces trial over Franco probe" — BBC News Online, April 7, 2010
"Spain may decide Guantanamo probe this week" — Reuters, March 28, 2009

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US freezes assets of suspected terrorist

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:51:57 GMT

United States

Sources [edit]

"Feds freeze terror suspect's assets" — CNN, 16 July 2010
Matthew Lee. "US-born radical cleric added to terror blacklist" — Associated Press, 16 July 2010
"US freezes terror imam's assets" — The Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2010

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International conference agrees on plan for Yemen's terror problem

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:59:05 GMT

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

An international conference in London on Tuesday came up with a plan to fight al-Qaeda's presence in Yemen. Delegates present at the conference were from twenty countries, including Yemen, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

David Miliband, chair of the conference.
Image: Munich Security Conference.

The conference was called by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown due to the failed Christmas Day plot to blow up a US plane, for which al-Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility. However, the attendees stress that the al-Qaeda presence is not Yemen's only problem, and that it cannot be solved without first dealing with the others.

	we—the international community—can and must do more.
—Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, said that bringing peace to Yemen and making it more stable is a major priority for the United States. She said that the United States had signed a three-year agreement on security development in Yemen. "To help the people of Yemen, we—the international community—can and must do more. And so must the Yemeni government," she said.

Clinton said that she does not believe that military action would be enough to solve Yemen's problems, and that corruption must be combated as well as building up democratic institutions and promoting human rights. She asked that the government of Yemen begin its proposed ten-point program for the development of these areas and to reduce the influence of extremist organisations.

Yemen is the poorest nation in the Arab world, and its economy was also on the meeting's agenda. The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Miliband chaired the talks, and said that the Yemeni government had pledged to begin an attempt to combat this by entering into discussions with the International Monetary Fund, representatives of which were present at the conference, in order to put together a plan for its economy.

	In tackling terrorism it is vital to tackle its root causes. In Yemen's case these are manifold—economic, social and political
—David Miliband

Miliband also announced that a "Friends of Yemen" organisation was to be launched, to discuss the economy, government, and judicial process of Yemen. Also present were delegates from the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank. Miliband acknowledged that the solution was not simply a military one by saying at a press conference, "It's been a common feature of every contribution that we have heard today that the assault on Yemen's problems cannot begin and end with its security challenges and its counter-terrorism strategy. In tackling terrorism it is vital to tackle its root causes. In Yemen's case these are manifold—economic, social and political".

Ali Mujawar, the Prime Minister of Yemen, received this support warmly, but said that any attack on the nation's sovereignty would be considered "unacceptable", and that it should not be portrayed as a failing nation, despite a multitude of problems, including its damaged economy, rapidly growing population, and shrinking oil reserves, as well as the beginning of a drought and its problems with insurgents, such as al-Qaeda terrorists. British Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis echoed Mujawar's statements by saying that Yemen is "not a failed state", but "an incredibly fragile state". Lewis also said that "[s]upporting the government of Yemen is crucial to the stability of that country but it is also crucial to the stability of the world".

Yemen's Foreign Minister, Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, asked the delegates at the conference for "international support to build infrastructure, combat poverty and create jobs, as well as support in combating terrorism". However, he said that the idea of having US military bases in Yemen was "inconceivable".

Arab League secretary general Amr Moussa is unsure how useful the meeting will be. He expressed these concerns by telling the BBC, "I don't know how a conference like that can decide something useful, something reasonable for Yemen... in a couple of hours", and saying that it was a "strange" and "very unusual sign" that the Arab League had not been given the chance to send delegates to the conference, despite wanting to discuss all of Yemen's problems without specific focus on al-Qaeda. Despite these concerns, donors from a number of Western and Gulf nations have agreed to meed again, this time in the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh, in February.

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Sources [edit]

"Yemen partners agree to tackle terror" — BBC News Online, January 27, 2010
Keith Weir and Estelle Shirbon. "Yemen and partners pledge to tackle roots of terror" — Reuters, January 27, 2010

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Gordon Brown: Extra troops for Afghanistan, Yemen security the focus for int'l conference

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:49:04 GMT

Monday, January 25, 2010

Afghanistan

Sources [edit]

Tom Rivers. "British leader outlines goals for Afghanistan and Yemen conferences" — Voice of America, January 25, 2010
"Extra troops to be announced at Afghan meeting: UK" — AFP, January 25, 2010

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Three Yemeni troops killed in shooting

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:25:07 GMT

Monday, January 25, 2010

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

A Yemeni government official has said that three soldiers with the national army were killed in an attack earlier today, southeast of the capital, Sanaa.

According to reports, armed men started firing at a checkpoint in the province of Shabwa, where security forces are conducting operations against suspected rebels for al-Qaeda.

"Three soldiers were killed and one was injured when unknown armed people believed to belong to the southern movement attacked a checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Ataq," said an unnamed official to the Reuters news agency. He commented that the alleged attackers escaped following the shooting.

The incident occurred several days before a scheduled meeting in London, where members of 21 countries will discuss the resurgent al-Qaeda affiliate in Pakistan, in the light of the failed alleged December 25 bombing of a US flight bound from Amsterdam to Detroit. The Yemeni al-Qaeda said that it had armed the man accused of trying to blow the plane up, a Nigerian.

Yemen declared open war against al-Qaeda after the incident, and launched airstrikes against the group, which are claimed to have killed six members.

The Yemeni government is currently battling secessionists in the country's south, as well as the Houthi rebels in the north.

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Sources [edit]

"Yemeni troops killed in shooting" — Al Jazeera, January 24, 2010
"3 Yemeni soldiers killed in checkpoint attack" — Daily Times, January 24, 2010

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Local al-Qaida leader killed in eastern Yemen

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:25:07 GMT

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

Yemeni local al-Qaida leader Abdullah Mehdar has been killed in a raid of his home in the Shabwah province. Four more men were arrested at the alleged al-Houta-area cell commander's house while several more escaped.

Shabwah Governor Ali Hassan al-Ahmadi told journalists that security forces had entered the Mehdar house and killed him on site. Abdullah Mehdar was added to Yemen's "List of the most wanted" by the Yemeni Interior Ministry earlier today.

Military annalists say that other commanders of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula may be hiding in Shabwah. The group are the suspected perpetrators of the failed bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253.

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Sources [edit]

Ian Black. "Al-Qaida leader killed in Yemen as security operations intensify" — The Guardian, January 13, 2010
"Local al-Qaida Leader Killed in Yemen" — VOA News, January 13, 2010

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UNHCR: 200,000 people displaced by violence in Yemen

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:50:09 GMT

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that 200,000 people in Yemen have been displaced by ongoing violence, and that the growing number of refugees is straining the ability of aid agencies to shelter and care for those forced to flee their homes.

The refugee agency reports that thousands of civilians in north Yemen are fleeing to neighboring provinces in a desperate search for safety, shelter and assistance, as the current wave of fighting between the government and the al-Houthi rebel group is entering its sixth month. It added that it is fast running out of space and money to care for them.

"We now estimate that some 200,000 people have been displaced by the conflict in Yemen since 2004, including those displaced by the latest escalation which erupted in early August last year," said UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic.

"These newly displaced people bring stories of intense clashes in Razeh, Saqain and Sahar districts and report dozens of civilian casualties as a result of air strikes and heavy fighting," Mahecic added, as quoted by Voice of America. "UNHCR is not present in the conflict area and has no independent confirmation of these reports.

"We now estimate that some 200,000 people have been affected by the conflict in Yemen since 2004, including those displaced by the latest escalation which erupted in early August last year," he continued.

The spokesman noted that camps for the displaced are stretched to capacity, and aid resources are quickly becoming depleted. News24 reports that one camp at Al Mazrak in the Hajjah province is now home to 21,000 people, double its intended capacity, and others were also being populated quickly and in dire conditions.

"The shelter situation is equally dire in Amran province where most of the arriving IDPs are staying with host families or renting places. Over the New Year's week alone, more than 5,000 IDPs arrived to Amran City," Mahecic said. "The acute lack of shelter and accommodation is creating tensions between the displaced and the local population. In the absence of an immediate and feasible camp option, UNHCR is planning to set up a transit center in Amran as an interim and temporary solution," he concluded.

The UN has issued a US$177-million appeal on behalf of all UN agencies working in Yemen; so far, less than one percent of that has been received.

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Sources [edit]

This article includes material from 200,00 Displaced in Northern Yemen Fighting by VOA News, which is in the public domain.

"200,00 Displaced in Northern Yemen Fighting" — VOA News, January 12, 2010
"Yemen: 200 000 displaced" — News24, January 12, 2010

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Obama's suspension of Guantanamo repatriations criticized

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:53:21 GMT

Thursday, January 7, 2010

United States

Sources [edit]

This article includes material from US Rights Groups Criticize Obama Suspension of Guantanamo Repatriations by VOA News, which is in the public domain.

"US Rights Groups Criticize Obama Suspension of Guantanamo Repatriations" — VOA News, January 6, 2010
Paul Reynolds. "Obama's Guantanamo problems pile up" — BBC News Online, January 6, 2010
"US halts Guantanamo transfers" — Al-Jazeera, January 6, 2010
Steve Holland. "U.S. suspends Guantanamo prisoner transfer to Yemen" — Reuters, January 5, 2010
Christi Parsons and Julian E. Barnes. "U.S. halts Gitmo-to-Yemen transfers" — Chicago Tribune, January 6, 2010
"ACLU Responds To Decision To Halt Guantánamo Transfers To Yemen" — ACLU, January 5, 2010

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US, UK embassies in Yemen close due to al-Qaeda threat

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:11:44 GMT

Monday, January 4, 2010

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
19 March 2011: 45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
8 December 2010: US federal judge dismisses targeted killing lawsuit

...More articles here

Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

The United States and the United Kingdom closed their embassies in Yemen Sunday, pointing to ongoing terrorist threats. The closures came after the two nations pledged to boost counter-terrorism support to the Yemeni government.

The American embassy's website said the threats come from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the group linked to the failed Christmas Day airplane bombing attempt in the United States. The message in part said, "The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a is closed today, January 3, 2010, in response to ongoing threats by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to attack American interests in Yemen."

Further adding, "On December 31, the U.S. Embassy sent a warden message to Americans citizens in Yemen to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against American citizens and interests throughout the world. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to practice enhanced security awareness."

Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John O. Brennan said on CNN's State of the Union with John King, "There are indications that al Qaeda is planning to carry out an attack against a target inside of Sana'a, possibly our embassy." Brennan added, "And what we do is to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of our diplomats and citizens abroad, so the decision was made to close the embassy."

	The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a is closed today, January 3, 2010, in response to ongoing threats by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to attack American interests in Yemen.
—Statement by U.S. Embassy in Sana'a

A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said their embassy would be closed on Sunday and a decision to reopen would be made on Monday.

The closures come a day after U.S. General David Petraeus visited the capital, Sana'a, to discuss security issues with President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The general, who oversees the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, recently announced that the United States would more than double its security aid to the impoverished nation.

The United States gave $67 million last year to Yemen, the only country that receives more aid is Pakistan with $112 million, according to the Associated Press.

Yesterday, in his weekly radio address, President Barack Obama linked the suspect in the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 to al-Qaeda saying, "We know that he traveled to Yemen, a country grappling with crushing poverty and deadly insurgencies. It appears that he joined an affiliate of al-Qaeda, and that this group, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, trained him, equipped him with those explosives and directed him to attack that plane headed for America."

Obama annouced, "So, as President, I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government-training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al-Qaeda terrorists."

Obama said that they had already results prior to the Christmas Day bombing attempt saying, "So, as President, I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government-training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al-Qaeda terrorists."

Britain has also announced plans to join with the United States in funding a counter-terrorism police unit in Yemen, as well as plans to hold an international conference on Yemeni security later this month.

Earlier today, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the BBC, "This is a new type of threat and it is from a new source which is obviously Yemen, but there are many other potential sources Somalia, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Editor Hakim Almasmari, of the Yemen Post newspaper, thinks the conference might be advantageous if it results in more development projects for rural Yemen. However, he fears what any foreign-backed military attacks could mean.

"Al-Qaeda right now is not very strong," Almasmari said. "Its followers are not more than 400 in all. However, if the U.S. does attack Yemen, al-Qaeda will get stronger and stronger because people who lose their families in the airstrikes will join al-Qaeda not because they want to but because they want revenge against the Americans and the Yemeni government for the attacks."

The situation has gained new urgency as the government in Sana'a finds itself overwhelmed not only by the growing terrorist threat, but also two separate rebellions, one of which has become something of a proxy war, at least in rhetoric, between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

U.S. military experts have warned that vast reaches of the impoverished nation, with its booming population and dwindling resources, could spin permanently out of the government's control.

Militant groups from Somalia said that they would send fighters to help aid al-Qaeda in Yemen. Yemen has vowed to keep foreign extremists out.

The U.S. embassy has faced attacks from the local al-Qaeda group before, with an assault outside its gates in 2008 that left 19 people - civilians and militants - dead.

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Sources [edit]

This article includes material from US, British Embassies in Yemen Close Due To al-Qaida Threat by VOA News, which is in the public domain.

Elizabeth Arrott. "US, British Embassies in Yemen Close Due To al-Qaida Threat" — Voice of America, January 3, 2010
"US shuts embassy as al-Qaeda 'plans attack in Yemen'" — BBC News, January 3, 2010
"U.S., Britain close embassies in Yemen" — CNN, January 3, 2010
"U.S., U.K. Close Yemen Embassies" — Wall Street Journal, January 3, 2010
"Embassy Closed in Response to Security Threat" — United States Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, January 3, 2010
"Weekly Address: President Obama Outlines Steps Taken to Protect the Safety and Security of the American People" — White House Office of the Press Secretary, January 2, 2010

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Airline bombing suspect spent months in Yemen

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:57:08 GMT

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Yemen

Other stories from Yemen

15 April 2012: Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012
29 March 2011: Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
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13 March 2011: Four dead after Yemen police fire on protesters
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Location of Yemen

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Yemen, see the Yemen Portal

Authorities in Yemen say the Nigerian man accused of trying to destroy a U.S. airliner last week lived in Yemen during a four-month period earlier this year.

The Yemeni Foreign Ministry and it's Minister, Abu Bakr al-Qirbi says 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab lived there between early August and early December. The ministry says the Nigerian was granted a visa to study Arabic at an institute in the capital Sana'a. Security officials say they approved the visa for Abdulmutallab because he was granted visas by several friendly countries, and still held a valid visa to the United States.

Abdulmutallab is charged with trying to detonate a bomb while flying aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 traveling from Amsterdam to Detroit. Authorities say he unsuccessfully tried to set off explosives attached to his body as the plane was approaching Detroit.

A group known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility on Monday for the failed attack. In an Internet statement, the group says the attack was in retaliation for U.S. support for operations against the group in Yemen. The claim could not be independently verified.

Yemen has recently begun operations with U.S. support against al-Qaeda due to concerns that the country is becoming a training ground for militants. al-Qirbi said to BBC's Radio 4, that al-Qeada remains a top priority despite the Yemeni government having to deal with two insurgencies, one in the north by Shi'a rebels and one in the south by separatists.

al-Qirbi said the Yemeni government needs more support, "We need more training. We have to expand our counter terrorism units and this means providing them with the necessary training, military equipment, ways of transportation - we are very short of helicopters. The United States can do a lot, Britain can do a lot, the European Union can do a lot in that regard."

He also believed there 200 to 300 members of al-Qaeda in Yemen, however, that is a rough estimate. He added, "Of course there are a number in Yemen and they may actually plan for attacks as in Detroit." However, he called some statements made by U.S. officials overstated and "exaggerated in some media."

U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States will use all resources to find and hold accountable those responsible for the terrorist plot.

The president on Monday ordered a full review of air safety regulations and the terrorist watch-list system, in an effort to prevent future attacks. He vowed to use every element of U.S. power "to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat" extremists in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia or elsewhere, who might want to attack the United States.

Abdulmutallab's name was listed in a U.S. government intelligence database, but he was not on the government's so-called "no-fly list," which would have banned him from flying on a U.S. airline.

His father, a prominent banker and former Nigerian government minister, had warned the U.S. embassy in Nigeria about his son's extremist views.

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Sources [edit]

This article includes material from Airline Bombing Suspect Spent Months in Yemen in 2009 by VOA News, which is in the public domain.

"Airline Bombing Suspect Spent Months in Yemen in 2009" — Voice of America, December 29, 2009
"Western counter-terrorism help 'not enough for Yemen'" — BBC News, December 29, 2009

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Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012

Contents

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	The serious issues regarding the merits of the alleged authorization of the targeted killing of a U.S. citizen overseas must await another day or another nonjudicial forum.
—Judge John D. Bates

	[...]continued statements on this issue by senior Spanish figures would be viewed negatively.
—US embassy 'caution' to Spanish government.

	We will be announcing new figures from NATO forces and for Afghan forces in the time to come
—Gordon Brown

	anything that suggests that the government of Afghanistan cannot deal with its corruption problems is something that we must be worried about
—Gordon Brown

	The decision to halt all transfers of detainees to Yemen will prolong a shameful chapter in American history without making Americans any safer.
—Ben Wizner, ACLU

	It was always our intent to transfer detainees to other countries only under conditions that provide assurances that our security is being protected.
—Barack Obama