Yemeni government officials were quick to lay the blame on al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) when a reported suicide car bombing killed 14 rebels in the northern Yemeni province of al-Jouf. The rebels themselves, however, see another culprit.
“This is clearly a US intelligence-style criminal act,” insisted a statement from the group, which said the attack was aimed at a government complex in the province, which they are currently in control of. The bombing no longer appears to have been a suicide attack either, but a remote detonated car bombing.
Al-Jouf is just one of many provinces nationwide that have fallen out of the Saleh regime’s control since the protest movement began. The Houthi are unique in that they are a Shi’ite secessionist movement, which might conceivably have given al-Qaeda a reason to target them.
But the Houthis are more used to being targeted by Saleh and his supporters, and while this seems an unusual method for a US attack, they seem quite convinced that this is the case. Though the US has been actively attacking targets in the southwest, they have yet to go after the Houthis.
It will be interesting to know how many "suicide" bombings are actually remote detonated bombs. It is mighty easy to hire a truck or cab driver, load into it explosive in suitcases or other luggage, then ask driver to stop in front of a desired location with an excuse to go out to pick up coffee, buy newspapers, go to bathroom. And then from safety detonate the explosives. There has been just way to may bombings that use trucks or cabs. Al Qaeda in Arabian Penninsula is an Saudi invention, and I believe it never existed. There are plenty of local causes and secessionists movements in Yemen, but the AlQaeda nonsense is invented as a reason to help the staunch ally in Sana'a stay in power. Or even if he is personally kept out, his sons, uncles and the cabal, are clear favorites of US and Saudis.