Bin Laden's Ex-Bodyguard Warns Of Yemen Escalation

Nasser Ahmad al-Bahri, also known as Abu Jandal (file photo)

A former bodyguard of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has warned of an escalation in fighting between Al-Qaeda and Yemeni security forces.

Nasser Ahmad al-Bahri says he thinks Yemen's government will need outside intervention to remain in power.

He says recent attacks by Al-Qaeda in southern Yemen are an indication of its increasing strength in the country.

U.S. officials have said the CIA now sees Al-Qaeda's branch in Yemen as a greater threat to the United States than its parent organization, whose leaders are thought to hiding out in Pakistan.

Washington is already spending tens of millions of dollars to help Yemen's government fight Al-Qaeda.

On August 25, U.S. officials said unmanned missile-carrying Predator drone aircraft could be added to the fight.

compiled from agency reports