Yemen Observer: http://www.yobserver.com
Posted in:
Local News
Written By: Shuaib M. al-Mosawa
Article Date: Mar 9, 2010 - 11:23:16 AM
The $150 USD funding proposed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week and earmarked for security assistance in Yemen in 2010, will be used to repair and service 10 MI-17 helicopters, provide four Huey II’s and train Yemeni crews to operate and maintain these instruments of war, a Pentagon document prepared for Congress confirmed.
The financing will enable the Yemeni Air Force to transport specialized target units to remote areas quickly, in order to participate in day or night operations at high altitudes.
The $150 million underlines U.S. concerns about the growing threat of al-Qaeda’s offshoot in Yemen, which continues to threaten US and other western interests in the area.
Preside Barak Obama, contained within his budget proposal, looks to boost the amount of military aid the U.S. gives to other countries to help them counter terror threats within their borders. Under this plan, the Pentagon fund for training and equipment would jump from $350 million this year to $500 million in 2011, the Associated press reported.
Despite the scarce resources, the Yemeni government has launched major attacks against al-Qaeda militants over the past month in Abyan, Shabwa, Mareb, and al-Hodaida governorates, where groups of al-Qaeda, including high-ranking leaders, were killed.