SANA’A, Yemen – Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced on October 6, a series of arrests made to “dismantle a terrorist cell” that is linked to Israeli Intelligence.  Saleh stated that the group “operated under the ‘slogan of Islam’.”  However, he gave no details on the arrests or on the allegation that the group is linked to Israel. Saleh indicated that information supporting the allegations would be released when those arrested are tried.  He stated, “Details of the trial will be announced later. You will hear about what goes on in the proceedings.”

Israel has responded to the arrests by stating that Yemen’s allegations have no foundation.  Igal Palmor, a spokeman for Israel’s foreign ministry, stated that the accusation was “totally ridiculous.”  In an interview with AFP, he said that, “To believe that Israel would create Islamist cells in Yemen is really far-fetched. This is yet another victory for the proponents of conspiracy theories.”

Saleh stated that the arrests took place on October 1, but sources in the government indicate that the group that the President was referring to is the six-member group known as Islamic Jihad arrested in September.  Islamic Jihad is associated with al-Qaeda and claimed the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen last month.  A total of 50 people have been arrested in connection with the Embassy attack so far.

BBC – Yemen Seizes “Israel-linked” Cell – 7 October 2008

TVNZ – Yemen Arrests “Israel” Militants – 7 October 2008

AFP – Yemen says “Israel-linked” Terror Cell Dismantled – 6 October 2008

Jerusalem Post – Yemen Nabs “Israel-linked” Terror Cell – 6 October 2008