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Al-Qaeda militants are said to have taken control of the Yemeni coastal city of Zinjibar since Friday. Around 300 armed men reportedly fought Yemeni security forces out the town.

Zinjibar lies very close to the southern city of Aden.

President Saleh claims he must remain in power in order to counter the threat of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Yemen's southern provinces are affected by Al-Qaeda activities as well attacks against security forces by secessionist militants.