The United States has classified Abdul Majeed Zandani, a prominent Yemeni religious leader, as a "specially designate global terrorist" for alleged ties to al-Qaeda.

Others accuse Zandani of stoking anti-American feeling and inspiring a new generation of suicide bombers.

But Zandani says the growing interest in activities in Yemen is part of a plot to occupy the country.

Al Jazeera's Mohammed Vall reports from Yemen.