U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SUCCESS IN YEMEN AGAINST AL-QA'IDA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Yemeni Military Success Against Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula
Press Statement Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
June 16, 2012
The United States commends the success of the Yemeni government, military, and people in re-taking important areas of southern Yemen, including the cities of Ja’ar and Zinjibar, from al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). After sustained Yemeni operations, AQAP no longer controls those cities. These achievements come just weeks after the violent extremists were similarly pushed out of the city of Lawdar. Al-Qa’ida’s presence in Abyan has had a devastating impact on the citizens there and prevented the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance desperately needed by the Yemeni people. We extend our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives and note the courageous efforts of Yemeni citizens who joined with the Yemeni military in the fight against terrorism. Their bravery serves as a reminder that the Yemeni population rejects al-Qa’ida and the violence it promotes.

As Yemeni security services continue to reclaim territory previously held by AQAP, we encourage the prompt restoration of civilian authority, humanitarian relief, and essential public services across Yemen. The United States remains committed to working with Yemen as it addresses the many challenges it faces – in the security realm as well as political, economic, and humanitarian affairs. We will continue to work with President Hadi and the Yemeni people in their efforts to rebuild their nation and ensure long-term stability, safety, and security in Yemen.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SUBMITS DEPLOYMENT REPORT TO CONGRESS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Submits Deployment Report to Congress

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2012 - As part of executive branch efforts to keep the U.S. Congress and the American people informed about the activities of the U.S. military, and consistent with the War Powers Resolution, President Barack Obama submitted a report to Congress today about deployments of the U.S. armed forces, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

"This report contains information about U.S. military deployments to Afghanistan, Central Africa, and Kosovo," Little said in a statement issued today. The report also makes clear that the U.S. military is engaged in a robust range of operations to target al-Qaida and associated forces, including those in Somalia and Yemen.

In Somalia, the U.S. military has taken direct action against members of al-Qaida, and al-Qaida associated elements of al-Shabaab, Little said. In Yemen, he said the U.S. military has engaged with the Yemeni government in joint efforts to dismantle and defeat Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, an active and dangerous al-Qaida affiliate.

"In all cases we are focused on those al-Qaida members and affiliates who pose a direct threat to the United States and to our national interests," Little said, adding that the report contains information about these operations and their growing significance in the overall U.S. counterterrorism effort.

"Going forward, the American people should know that we will do what is necessary to defend our country against those who would threaten us," Little said.

U.S. SENDS MEDIAL AID TO YEMEN AFTER TERRORIST ATTACKS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Yemen Gets U.S. Medical Aid Following Terrorist Attacks

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 - The U.S. military has provided emergency medical aid to Yemen that's being used to help treat Yemeni soldiers and others who'd been wounded in a May 21 terrorist suicide bombing attack in the country's capital, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft yesterday delivered more than 13,000 pounds of emergency medical supplies to Sanaa, Yemen's capital city, Little said. More than 300 people, he added, were killed or injured in the attack.

"U.S. Air Forces Central, part of U.S. Central Command, organized the delivery of supplies in coordination with the State Department," Little said. "The supplies include bandages, sutures, medication, intravenous fluids and litters, and will be distributed by the Yemeni government to hospitals."

U.S. officials have condemned the attack. Earlier this week, Little told reporters the attack in Yemen "bears all the hallmarks of having been planned and carried out by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula."