( CNN ) -- Yemen 's largest opposition coalition blamed President Ali Abdullah Saleh 's ruling family for causing chaos in the town of Radda , Baitha province , and said the family intentionally eased the way for al Qaeda militants to take over the town . The Joint Meeting Parties ( JMP ) said this strategy was used in an effort to delay the presidential elections and halt the power transfer from taking place . `` Only Saleh would hand over a town to terrorists . He does not care for Yemen or its people , '' said Ahmed Bahri , a senior JMP leader . Numerous tribal chiefs told CNN that the suspected al Qaeda militants are now in control of the Sawadia Republican Guard 's base in Radda and entered the town without a fight . Saleh 's eldest son , Ahmed , runs the guards . `` Everything was handed over to the militants . What other explanation can there be ? Hundreds of Republican Guard forces suddenly evacuated the base without a fight , '' said Abdullah al-Barraki , a tribal chief in Radda . CNN was able to independently verify that the militants were now in control of the base . Radda , located just 107 miles southeast of Yemen 's capital Sana ' a , has been without any security presence for more than six days , according to residents . Tribal chiefs in the town are negotiating with the militants to leave the town without bloodshed . This comes as thousands of anti-Saleh protesters marched in the streets of Radda on Wednesday , condemning what they say was an act of treachery by relatives of Saleh . `` Saleh 's nephew and son handed over the town to the militants . They wanted al Qaeda to take over the town to raise the tension in the country , '' said Sameer Ashtal , a youth protester in Radda . He added , `` Saleh is willing to destroy to the entire country for the sake of himself , and that is why he has to leave power . '' Marchers in Radda chanted , `` Saleh 's family sold Radda . He will stand trial for this crime . '' Last week , dozens of militants loyal to Tareq al-Thahab , an extremist militant , took over historical sites in Radda and called for the implementation of Sharia law . Khaled al-Thahab , a prominent tribal leader and brother of the al Qaeda leader in Radda , said that the National Security Forces assisted his brother in taking over the town . The national security sector is directly run by Ammar Mohammed , the nephew of Saleh . The JMP warned the international community that certain factions will be seeking to halt the power transfer deal worked out with the Gulf Cooperation Council . `` The JMP are completely abiding ( by ) the GCC power transfer deal while Saleh 's ruling family is doing otherwise , '' said Mohammed Qahtan , a senior opposition Islah official , and former spokesperson for the JMP . CNN contacted the office of Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to clarify the reasons behind the growing tension , but they refused to comment . Saleh signed away executive powers to Hadi on November 23 , allowing him to keep the title of president for 90 days but officially ending his rule . Hadi is expected to win the February 21 presidential elections and be the country 's next leader . Jamal Ben Omar , the United Nations envoy to Yemen , insists that presidential elections will not be delayed . `` There is no space to negotiate the delay of the Yemeni presidential elections , '' he said . Ali al-Amrani , Yemen 's minister of information , told CNN that an immunity bill for Saleh is expected to be passed on Saturday after differing factions met at Hadi 's residence on Wednesday and finalized most differing points . The bill has been the core of controversy between the opposition and the president . The bill , if passed , will grant Saleh immunity from prosecution for all crimes and violations committed during his 33 years in power .
JMP : Tareq al-Thahab 's family has handed town of Tribal over to al Qaeda militants . Protester : `` Saleh 's is willing to destroy to the entire country for the sake of himself '' Tribal chiefs are negotiating with the militants to leave the town peacefully . Militants loyal to Saleh took over historical sites in Radda his 33 years .