This report relates to the current political situation in Yemen, containing updates on the security situation and on security-related incidents covering the time period 01.12.2013 to 18.01.2014. The background to this information is the fact that Yemen continues to be targeted by a regional al-Qaeda offspring and by acts of sabotage on infrastructure facilities. Additionally, the southern separatist movement ('Hirak' or 'Al Hirak Al Janoubi') has been striving for independence and/or autonomy since the unification of the northern and the southern part of the country, with continuing mass rallies and violent clashes. The tensions between the north and the south are contributing to instability in the country. The central government has lost control of large parts of the country and its authority has weakened markedly.