The Empty Quarter

This was announced earlier, so its not a surprise. Most likely these were low-risk individuals rounded up in sweeps, that are now being let go as as a goodwill gesture or part of an agreement with the tribes. The president and Yemeni officials have been trying to get the tribes - in those regions hospitable to al-Qaeda – to work with the govt. and turn in/refuse al-Qaeda militants. Release of jailed tribal members is always at the top of the list of a tribes grievances against the government. The practice of detainment-release as a means of negotiation and diplomacy is a method that predates any centralized state in the region.  Varying reports on the total numbers – AP has it at 170, AFP has it at 176 with 95 having been freed on Friday. 

Official: Yemen releases 170 al-Qaida suspects

The Associated Press

Published: February 8, 2009

SAN’A, Yemen: Yemen released 170 men it had arrested on suspicion of having ties to al-Qaida, security officials said Sunday, two weeks after the terror group announced that Yemen had become the base of its activities for the whole Arabian peninsula.

The announcement also comes as government forces say they are poised to sweep through the northern city of Marib to combat an entrenched al-Qaida presence that includes both Yemenis and Saudis.

The officials who announced the release spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to speak to the press.

The men were freed Friday and Saturday after signing pledges not to engage in terrorism — a strategy the Yemeni government has often used with those suspected of fighting in militant causes abroad. Local tribal leaders are also expected to guarantee the good behavior of the released.

The practice stems in part from the powerful role played by the tribes across the rugged Yemeni countryside as well as the comparative weakness of the central government.

In the past, such releases have raised concern in the United States and increased its reluctance to release Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

Yemen has said it expects most of the 100 remaining Yemenis at Guantanamo to be sent home after President Barack Obama ordered the prison shut within a year.

Elements of al-Qaida have long found a haven in Yemen’s remote hinterland. Last month, Saudi al-Qaida fugitives in Yemen and their Yemeni associates announced in an Internet video that they were joining forces to form a single group.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia issued a list of 85 most wanted living abroad that included two Yemenis. Many of the Saudis on the list are suspected of hiding out in Yemen as well.

Official says Yemen to free 176 held for Qaeda ties

2/8/2009

SANAA (AFP) — Yemeni authorities have decided to release 176 people suspected of ties to Al-Qaeda and 95 of them have already been freed, a security services official said on Sunday, without giving the reasons.

“Directives have been issued to us to free 176 people held for their links to the Al-Qaeda network or to certain activities of this network,” the official, who would not be named, told AFP.

From among the detainees, in custody in various prisons, “95 were freed on Friday,” he added.

“Arrangements are being made to release the other detainees, (subject to) a commitment to good behaviour,” the official said.

The directives rule out the release of anyone convicted on terrorism charges, except when their sentences have been completed, he said.

Before the announcement of the latest steps, around 400 people were held in Yemeni prisons on suspicion of links with Al-Qaeda or involvement in the activities of Osama bin Laden’s network, according to unofficial estimates.