The situation in Yemen has disrupted U.S. led counter-terrorism efforts. Yahoo/Reuters

Southern Movement fighters demonstrating in Aden. Yahoo/Reuters

The United States has suspended some anti-terrorist operations against Al-Qaeda in Yemen due to the country being taken over by Iranian backed Houthi rebels. Yahoo/Reuters. After the resignation of the U.S. backed government, including the President and Prime Minister, drone strikes and other anti-terror operations have ceased. The United States have been involved in a sustained campaign against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Penisula (AQAP), who are based out of Yemen. The group claimed responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo attacks in France and are considered a major threat. In 2014 alone there were 19 drone strikes killing a total of 128 people, the vast majority of which were AQAP militants. The Shite Houthi rebels who have taken over are enemies to the Sunni AQAP but they are also opposed to the United States. It is unlikely that they will cooperate with the United States if they retain power.

My Comment:

Not a good situation in Yemen at all. Losing a partner in the fight against Al-Qaeda is never good, but AQAP has proven themselves to be a major threat. The Charlie Hebdo attacks were probably not the only operation these people had planned. With drone strikes suspended it will be a free reign for these people to plan and carry out operations. Whoever ends up in power in Yemen will likely be more concerned in holding onto their power and not fighting AQAP. Bad news indeed.

As for Al-Qaeda itself, this is a boon for them. They will have much more leeway to operate and may have a respite from U.S. led airstrikes. At a time they were immense pressure due to the Charlie Hebdo attacks they are getting a much needed break and a better environment to operate in. From their perspective, this is great news.

I'm also surprised that there are still U.S. staff in the embassy. It would seem that now would be a very good time to evacuate everyone. I don't think there is a huge threat from the Houthi rebels, but they aren't the only game in town. AQAP could possibly mount an attack as well. After the Benghazi attack, lessons should have been learned. It is time to get those people out of there before it is too late. Hopefully nothing happens, but if it does, then I will blame those who did not learn the lessons from Benghazi...