Secessionist Commander and Fighters Slain in Deadly 'Al-Qaeda' Attack in Yemen

A suspected al-Qaeda attack in southern Yemen has killed a military commander and three soldiers from a secessionist group, the Security Belt Forces. The attack took place in Abyan governorate, and while AQAP has not claimed responsibility, it is believed to be behind the attack. The secessionist Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, controls much of Yemen's south and has called for the country to be split. AQAP has taken advantage of Yemen's civil war to strengthen its presence in the country.