Context
Over 200 suspected Al-Qaeda militants have taken control of the city of Zinjibar in southern Yemen after heavy clashes with the military that left 16 persons dead, authorities said on Sunday. Residents reported heavy fighting in the area over the weekend and said that the gunmen freed dozens of inmates from the city’s central prison. Opposition parties instantly blamed embattled President Saleh for letting militants take control of Zinjibar, capital of the Abyan province, in an attempt to raise concerns regarding Al-Qaeda and boost his waning international support.