(Image Source: Fox News)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Militants linked to al-Qaeda have captured a Yemeni town 80 miles south of the capital. Reports say the militants are flying their flag over the city’s citadel after storming its prison, taking control of government offices, and killing two Yemeni soldiers. Fox News explains why the takeover is crucial.
 

“First, the proximity of this town not just to the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, but also major transit routes, as well as an indication of a spreading geographic control of parts of Yemen by the Al Qaeda...”
 

The militants captured another southern Yemeni town about seven months ago. The Telegraph says the group is taking advantage of the turmoil caused by the Arab Spring, though its efforts have been hampered by the loss of its local leader.
 

“In a year of protest and an often violent government response, al-Qaeda and a broad-based network of militants have been able to extend their presence, even though their ability to strike beyond Yemen's borders as in the past has been damaged by the killing of … their American-educated and English-speaking spiritual leader.”

 

And, according to the Yemen Post, some are blaming the town’s capture on President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who, after months of anti-government protests, has agreed to resign early this year.
 

“Critics of the outgoing Ali Abdullah Saleh accused him of turning a blind eye to the expansion of Al-Qaeda to prove to the global world that his existence is vital to face terrorism and other Jihadi groups inside the state.”
 

According to the Associated Press, the militants are not allowing residents to enter or leave the town.