AsiaYemenAbyan Governorate
Zinjibār
Abyan Governorate, Yemen · Asia
About Zinjibār
Zinjibār sits on the route: 25 minutes from Ja‘ār.
Zinjibār is a town located in Abyan Governorate, Yemen. With a population of 19,879, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Zinjibār sits in Yemen. It's in the Asia/Aden time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Zinjibār to your route.
About Zinjibār
The battle of Zinjibar was fought between Yemeni government forces and the Islamist militant group Ansar al-Sharia in and around Zinjibar, the provincial capital of Abyan governorate. As the state was preoccupied with the Yemeni revolution, the resultant security vacuum in southern Yemen was capitalized on by al-QaedaRead more
in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which used a local insurgent front in Ansar al-Sharia to seize territory for the first time.
Using the nearby town of Jaar as a staging ground, Ansar al-Sharia invaded Zinjibar on 29 May 2011 and captured it relatively unopposed. Most security forces fled except for the 25th Mechanized Brigade, which was besieged at its base near the city. Reinforcements were brought in but were met with fierce resistance and a tightened siege on the brigade. The army partnered with the local tribes to launch an offensive on 17 July, which culminated in the relieving of the 25th Mechanized Brigade and the capture of eastern Zinjibar on 10 September. Clashes continued into the next year with Ansar al-Sharia maintaining control over most of Zinjibar.
In response to renewed military pressure, Ansar al-Sharia launched two raids on army installations near Zinjibar on 5 March 2012 which killed and wounded hundreds of soldiers. The battle intensified thereon, with army forces making inroads into Zinjibar in late April. On 12 May, the government initiated a large-scale offensive to recapture all territory occupied by Ansar al-Sharia. Army forces conducted an arc-shaped advance upon Zinjibar, pushing into central territory while securing the northern and eastern neighbourhoods. By June they had encircled Zinjibar and were closing in on the city, culminating in its complete liberation on 12 June.
The seizure of Zinjibar concerned the United States, which provided support for Yemeni ground forces and launched airstrikes on militants during the battle alongside Saudi Arabia. Between 500 to 1,000 soldiers were estimated to have died in the battle along with at least 600 militants. During their occupation, Ansar al-Sharia administered Zinjibar under Sharia and provided basic services for civilians. Most of the city's near 20,000 residents fled to neighbouring governorates leading to a refugee crisis. Destruction was widespread, and both sides were accused of human rights violations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The participation of tribal forces (officially organized into the Popular Committees) was considered crucial to the government's victory. Zinjibar's strategic position near Aden may have pushed the government to send additional forces to Zinjibar to prevent the expansion of Ansar al-Sharia's territory. In the context of the revolution, the opposition accused President Ali Abdullah Saleh of undermining military forces in Zinjibar or having intentionally let the city fall in order to display his leadership as indispensable for Yemen's security, although this has been disputed.
Where to Stay in Zinjibār
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Zinjibār?
Zinjibār offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Zinjibār?
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Where is Zinjibār located?
Zinjibār is located in Abyan Governorate, Yemen, Asia. The coordinates are 13.1287 latitude, 45.3807 longitude.
What is the population of Zinjibār?
Zinjibār has a population of approximately 19,879 people, making it a town in Yemen.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 19,879
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Yemen
- Region
- Abyan Governorate
- Timezone
- Asia/Aden
- Coordinates
- 13.1287, 45.3807
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When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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