Aqap terrorist who caused ‘chaos’ in Yemen surrenders

Tammah taken to Aden – in custody of coalition forces

ADEN // One of the leading figures of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) surrendered to Yemeni security forces yesterday morning. Aden police spokesman Abdurrahman Al Naqeeb said Taher Tammah gave himself up to security forces in the southern province of Lahj. “Tammah surrendered to the leader of the emergency forces in Lahj province, Moneer Al Yafei, and [Mr Al Yafei] brought Tammah to the coalition forces in Aden,” said Mr Al Naqeeb, referring to the Saudi-led coalition that is fighting on the side of the government in Yemen’s civil war. Tammah is considered to be one of the most dangerous leaders of Aqap in Lahj’s Yafe and Radfan districts and was sought by the security forces for the “chaos” he unleashed in the province – including helping Aqap to overtake Al Hawta, the capital of Lahj, in January.

On Wednesday, antiterrorism forces stormed the Aden home of ISIL’s military commander in Yemen, Ridhwan Qanan. Qanan was not at home when they entered and there were rumours, reported by local websites, that he was already dead after being killed in an air strike in April.

Wednesday’s raid, in cooperation with coalition forces and the Aden police, was one of a series targeting ISIL bases where arms and bomb-making equipment are stored.

Ridhwan Qanan is considered to be one of the most important ISIL players in Yemen. In the past, he has moved between Lahj and Abyan, as well as, Aden but has more recently been in the southern port city.

Mr Al Naqeeb said security forces discovered a hoard of weaponry, including TNT, explosive belts, remote-controlled explosive devices, missiles and firearms.

The raid was the result of days of intelligence gathering and investigation, Mr Al Naqeeb said.

ISIL and Aqap have exploited the civil war in Yemen between forces loyal to the internationally recognised government and the Shiite Houthi rebels.

Between April and June last year, both groups began to expand their activities in the southern provinces, which are broadly loyal to president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi.

In June, they began to target Yemeni officials and forces from the Saudi-led coalition, which includes the UAE.

Mr Al Naqeeb said security had been stepped up in Aden since the return of exiled government ministers and the announcement of the relocation of Yemen’s central bank from the capital, Sanaa, which is under Houthi control.

“Security forces in Aden have intensified activity during the past few days and will continue to chase the extremists,” he said.

ISIL and Aqap are rivals in Southern Yemen and the security authorities, with coalition help, are determined to clear them both out.