AMU Homeland Security Intelligence Middle East Opinion Terrorism

A Surge in UAV Strikes in Yemen

By William Tucker
Chief Correspondent for In Homeland Security

Three suspected U.S. UAV strikes have taken in place in Yemen today reportedly killing 12 militants. UAV strikes can be fluid events and the death toll may rise among those currently reported as injured. The U.S. has taken a more aggressive counterterrorism role in Yemen with UAV strike having tripled since 2011. This uptick in operational tempo shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, as the U.S. has recently expressed grave concerns over an alleged plot to attack U.S. diplomatic establishments and the Yemeni government has claimed to have disrupted a terrorist plot in their country. Though the U.S. closed 19 embassies in Asia and Africa it took extra caution in Yemen by removing nonessential staff from the country. Several other western nations followed suit by evacuating their embassies personnel as well. These are rather drastic measures that wouldn’t be undertaken unless there were indeed a credible threat. All of this recent activity is unlikely to be coincidental and we’ll do our best to keep you updated as events unfold.

William Tucker serves as a senior security representative to a major government contractor where he acts as the Counterintelligence Officer, advises on counterterrorism issues, and prepares personnel for overseas travel. His additional duties include advising his superiors in matters concerning emergency management and business continuity planning.

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