Some events that took place previously to this include the kidnapping in 1988, where 16 Western tourists were held hostage, some of which were killed in a failed rescue attempt. In addition to this, the Aden Abyan Islamic Army claimed "attacks on Yemeni socialists prior to the 1993 parliamentary elections" This group has continued to wreak havoc on the lives of people in Aden and throughout the west.
Previous events include a 1988 kidnapping of Western tourists, some of whom were killed during an unsuccessful rescue attempt. The Aden Abyan Islamic Army also claimed responsibility for attacks on Yemeni socialists before the 1993 parliamentary elections. This group has continued to cause harm in Aden and beyond.