U.S. – Yemen cooperation produces results in al-Qaeda offensive

Yemeni forces, under the direction of US forces, opened a four-front offensive against al-Qaeda strongholds in the south of the nation.  Though it has long been known that the US has been maintaining significant air and naval capabilities in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, the operation marked the first time US forces have directed a military operation carried out by Yemeni forces.  It is the most direct involvement of the US in Yemen’s internal affairs to date, and illustrative of the two nations’ close cooperation in the fight against al-Qaeda and terrorism, more broadly.

The offensive comes at the heels of a new executive order issued by President Obama authorizing the Treasury Department to freeze any US-based assets in Yemen to curb financing of elements seeking to derail the ongoing political transition in the country.  Yemen has been a key partner in the War on Terror and there are concerns that political instability in the nation has provided a safe haven for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out operations and expand its influence.  A recent attempt to strike the US originated in Yemen, further reinforcing these concerns.  Preventing destabilizing elements from affecting Yemen’s political transition while simultaneously seeking out and eliminating terrorist strongholds will allow for a democratic transition in Yemen, a stronger US partner in the fight against al-Qaeda, and a more secure Arabian Peninsula.

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