Yemen’s most influential Islamic cleric has warned that the United States-backed fight against so-called al-Qaeda could lead to “foreign occupation” of the country.
Sheik Abdul-Majid al-Zindani’s comments illustrate the pressure Yemen’s government is enduring to limit the US role the country even as Washington ramps up counterterrorism aid and training to help combat al-Qaeda’s offshoot in the country.
Al-Zindani, head of al-Iman University, said Yemen rejected “the return of colonialism”.
The US insists to continue involving in Yemen fight against al-Qaeda in the country, but says it will not send troops there.
Speaking to reporters at his home in Sanaa, Mr Zindani said: “We accept any co-operation in the framework of respect and joint interests, and we reject military occupation of our country. And we don’t accept the return of colonialism.”
He added: “Yemen’s rulers and people must be careful before a [foreign] guardianship is imposed on them.”
“The day parliament allows the occupation of Yemen, the people will rise up against it and bring it down.”
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