ADEN, Yemen, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni security authorities said on Sunday that they had arrested suspected terrorists accused of plotting a series of assassinations in the southern port city of Aden.
Citing a security source, state-run news agency Saba said the arrests, described as part of efforts to "enhance security and stability" in Aden, followed "careful monitoring and surveillance." Several suspects were detained, along with materials and evidence linked to the group's activities.
"Initial investigations revealed plans to target social and religious figures in an attempt to incite chaos and destabilize the security and stability in Aden," the source said.
Authorities are continuing to track down remaining members, according to the source. Preliminary findings suggest links to recent criminal incidents, including the assassination of prominent Islamist businessman Abdulrahman al-Shaer, who was shot dead by gunmen in Aden on Saturday. The assailants fled the scene, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa, triggering a prolonged war that has fragmented state authority. Extremist groups have since expanded their presence, especially in the south. ■
