Yemeni authorities 'foil al-Qaeda plot to seize ports'

[G_j]

Source: BBC

Yemen says it has foiled a major al-Qaeda plot to blow up oil pipelines and seize two of the country's main ports.

Government spokesman Rajeh Badi said the plans included taking control of the al-Dhaba oil terminal and killing or kidnapping foreign workers.

The authorities have introduced security measures to protect government buildings and other key targets.

Hundreds of armoured vehicles have been deployed in the capital, Sanaa, while the US and UK have withdrawn diplomats.

The US is also reported to be preparing special operations forces for possible strikes against the Yemen-based al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

Read more: http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23598516

[geek tragedy]

1. They were going after the oil? That explains the urgency. nt

[jehop61]

2. How about

taking foreign hostages. Your cinicism knows no bounds.

[geek tragedy]

3. Nope it doesn't. Not when it comes to the mideast and oil interests nt

[G_j]

4. yep

& that's what protecting "national security"
is always about in the ME.

[geek tragedy]

5. well, sometimes the code is a little more revealing "strategic interests" nt

[G_j]

6. US will not reverse Middle East terror precautions in wake of foiled plot

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/07/us-middle-east-threat-foiled-plot


Obama administration cautions that threat to western outposts has not subsided after Yemen claims it thwarted large-scale plot


The Obama administration cautioned on Wednesday that the terror threat to western outposts in the Middle East and Africa will not necessarily subside in the wake of Yemen's claim to have foiled a large-scale plot to attack an important port.

As details of the alleged plot emerged from the government in Sana'a, new US drone strikes reportedly killed seven alleged fighters of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in the southern Yemeni province of Shabwa. Residents reported seeing two vehicles and several bodies on fire.

Rajeh Badi, press adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa, said the plot involved dozens of fighters in Yemeni army uniforms storming the facilities on Sunday night, and holding them. Yemeni officials spoke of a plan to take control of the Mina al-Dhaba oil terminal, which is run by Canada, in the Mukallah region on the Arabian Sea.

Yet the US State Department said it would not reverse its decision on Tuesday to remove much of its personnel from the Sana'a embassy in what it termed an "ordered departure", nor to reopen the 19 diplomatic facilities it temporarily closed on Sunday throughout the Middle East and Africa in reaction to intelligence indicating an attack might be imminent. Britain and several other western countries followed suit.

[askeptic]

7. AQAP is really that strong? Hold two ports?

Either someone got a little carried away with all the things AQAP was going to do or it is significantly stronger then we've been lead to believe. It would take significant manpower and weaponry in order to hold the ports. You wouldn't think a force that large could hide as they seem to be doing. Things just don't quite add up for me on this report...

[Junkdrawer]

8. Get better writers and you don't have to beat the shit out of journalists...

The New MO vs the Old MO...

Old MO:
Send cruise missiles/drones. Deny. Beat the shit out of and jail journalists who report the lie.

New MO:
Detect chatter. Close embassies, declare travel alert. Send cruise missiles/drones. Declare victory.

I guess it's better....

[jessie04]

9. Who the hell believes this?

Ooooo....the bogeyman al-Qaeda ...and we stopped them.

Makes everyone feel good.