Aden governor escapes ‘Al Qaeda’ suicide car bombing

People gather at the site of a car bomb attack that targeted the convoy of Aidarous Al Zubaidi, the governor of Aden. The governor and Aden’s police chief, Maj Gen Shalal Shaei, escaped unhurt. ReuterShow more

ADEN // The governor of Aden survived a suicide car bombing that struck his convoy on Friday, a Yemeni security official said, blaming Al Qaeda.

Aidarus Al Zubaidi escaped unharmed after the attack in the Inmaa district of Aden but three of his companions were wounded, the official said.

The southern port city, the temporary base of Yemen’s legitimate government, has seen a wave of bombings and shootings targeting officials and security forces.

Mr Al Zubaidi’s predecessor Jaafar Saad was killed in December in a car bomb claimed by ISIL.

In February, suspected Al Qaeda militants opened fire on a convoy carrying Mr Al Zubaidi and Aden’s police chief, Maj Gen Shalal Shaei. Both escaped unharmed. They also survived a car bombing that targeted their convoy in Aden on January 5, killing two of their bodyguards.

Al Qaeda and ISIL have exploited the unrest in Yemen pitting loyalist forces, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, against the Houthi rebels.

Pro-government forces last year drove the Houthis and their allies out of southern provinces, including Aden.

With the help of coalition forces an offensive against Al Qaeda in March, pushing the Al Qaeda out of neighbourhoods in Aden and several provincial capitals.

* Agencies