UNIPATH STAFF
Yemeni authorities unraveled an al-Qaida plot in which operatives wearing fake uniforms would have captured two cities, disrupted oil terminals and abducted foreigners.
“The main aim of the plot was to seize control of two cities, Al-Mukalla and Ghayl Bawazeer,” Yemeni government spokesman Rajeh Badi told Agence France-Presse in 2013.
The Mina al-Dhaba oil export terminal near Mukalla was also targeted, as were foreigners working at the complex.
“They would demonstrate pretending to be guards demanding bonuses … and then storm the port,” Badi said. “If they were to fail in seizing control of the facilities, the plan was to take foreign experts away as hostages.”
Yemen foiled the conspiracy about two days before the attacks were scheduled, the government said.