• Two men have been arrested in connection with thetriple killing in Lahj province last Friday. They are said to be a son and brother of the main suspect, Ali Saif Mohammed. It is not clear if they are actually suspected of involvement in the killing: the Yemeni authorities often arrest innocent relatives of wanted men in order to encourage the wanted person to surrender.

• Security has been tightened around foreign embassies and related buildings in Yemen. This could be the result of a tip-off but is more likely to be a precaution against any reprisals following the death sentences imposed on six Islamist militants.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 15 July 2009