And yet according to Obama al-Qaeda is on the “path to defeat.”

Via Ynet:

Al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters are poised to take control of the southeastern province of Hadramout, Yemen’s largest province, French ambassador to Yemen Frank Gillette is warning.

Gillette told a press conference that he has information about impending efforts by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), considered the most active cell of the global terror network, to seize large swaths of land in Hadramout and control of the entire province. He urged the Yemeni authorities to confront this land-grab immediately.

Hadramout sources told The Media Line that the number of al-Qaeda fighters in the province has notably increased recently. The sources added that al-Qaeda fighters are moving freely inside the province’s major cities including Al-Mukala, the provincial capital, taking advantage of an almost complete absence of security forces.

“Indeed, al-Qaeda has significantly expanded lately and the government has chosen not to do anything to stop their expansion. The increase of al-Qaeda activities is reflected by the spread of its slogans everywhere in the province,” Mubarak al-Awbakani, a retired security chief, told The Media Line. “They are plastered on the outside walls of hospitals, schools and other buildings. They have been there for a month and the government did nothing to remove them.”

Yemeni political activist Nasser Baqoqas told The Media Line that the security situation in Hadramout is scary due to the security forces’ absence and increasing activities by al-Qaeda elements.

“The gunmen are seen during broad daylight moving freely in their vehicles with black flags fluttering. They hold meetings, distribute flyers, and plaster posters bearing their slogans all over the area. They significantly increased their assassination of top security officials.