Awad stresses "security cooperation" between US, Yemen‏

Yemeni Ambassador to the US Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak reaffirmed that one of the top challenges faced by Yemen and the Arab Coalition is counterterrorism.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mubarak acknowledged great efforts exerted by US and Yemeni governments in crushing terrorism. 

The daily quoted him as saying that intelligence cooperation and security coordination between the two was behind the assassination of the emir of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

The US conducted a counterterrorism operation in Yemen that successfully eliminated Qasim al-Rimi, a founder and leader of AQAP.

Mubarak considered Rimi’s killing a new breakthrough in targeting AQAP. More importantly, he said the assassination not only restored stability and security to Yemen, but also empowered Yemeni institutions adding that Yemeni institutions and authorities will not allow any terrorist organization, be it AQAP or Houthis to control the future of Yemen.

Mubarak expressed his appreciation for the great clarity in the US position in determining the Iranian role in the conflict in Yemen. He also pointed out that the current US administration understands the danger behind Iran’s expansionist agenda in the region and that it is exercising more pressure in a way that is “paying off”.

The US military said Thursday it had seized an Iranian weapons shipment on a small sailing vessel in the Arabian Sea that was bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen. The weapons showed signs of Iranian “design and manufacture,” according to a Reuters report.

They included 150 anti-tank guided missiles as well as three surface-to-air missiles.

Mubarak said the seizure indicates the seriousness of the current administration in confronting the Iranian role in Yemen. This is expected to have positive effects in reducing tension and pushed the Houthis to sit at the negotiating table.

On Yemen’s unity, Mubarak said the US position is also very clear. All statements issued by all US institutions confirm the necessity of the unity, stability and sovereignty of Yemen, the ambassador said.