AMU Homeland Security

AQAP Targets Iran’s Ambassador to Yemen

By William Tucker
Chief Correspondent for In Homeland Security

A vehicle borne improvised explosive device was detonated just outside the residence of Iran’s ambassador to Yemen today killing two and wounding seventeen. The al-Qaeda franchise in Yemen, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after the explosion. Hossein Niknam, Iran’s Ambassador and target of the attack, was not home at the time, but had only left ten minutes prior to the attack. This timing suggests that AQAP had the residence under surveillance for some time, however the slight variation in the Ambassador’s daily routine likely saved his life. AQAP has successfully attacked Iranian interests in Yemen before and one would expect that security around the Ambassador would be improved as a result. The terror group did say they managed to execute the attack despite “strict security measures” in the diplomatic quarter. This, however, could be explained by the presence of AQAP sympathizers in the Yemeni government or payments made by the terror group to local security forces. Both of these possibilities have occurred in the past and the current turmoil in Yemen has likely exacerbated this problem.

Though this attack was carried out by an international terrorist group, the targeting of the Iranian Ambassador was both a result of local and regional politics. Yemen has deteriorated quite rapidly with the inability of the central government to pacify the Zaidi rebels in the north and the secessionists in the south. Compounding Yemen’s issues is the Iranian support for the Shia Zaidi, and of course, the presence of al-Qaeda. Yemen is also facing a rather profound water crisis that is bound to push the nation further into despair. Elsewhere in the Middle East, Iran launched a series of airstrikes in Iraq targeting Islamic State militants. Once again, Sunni militant groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates have been given ammunition to support their claims of a Shia conspiracy to suppress Sunnis throughout the Levant. Iranian interests have been targeted quite frequently as a result, but it is the resonance of the claims with local Sunnis that presents a big problem. In short order many of the oppressive Sunni militant groups that have wreaked havoc on locals – regardless of sect – could be seen as a better alternative to the ineffective secular groups, not to mention the Shia dominated governments in Baghdad and Damascus. Ideology matters, and without a strong presence to blunt Iranian designs without empowering extremist Sunni militants the Middle East turmoil could become worse yet.

William Tucker serves as a senior security representative to a major government contractor where he acts as the Counterintelligence Officer, advises on counterterrorism issues, and prepares personnel for overseas travel. His additional duties include advising his superiors in matters concerning emergency management and business continuity planning.

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