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US to expand Yemen's air forces to counter Qaeda
WASHINGTON - The United States plans to provide Yemen with helicopters, transport equipment and training to expand its air and ground offensive against al Qaeda, a Pentagon document showed on Thursday.Got a good deal on used Hueys ... Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week authorized $150 million in security assistance for Yemen in fiscal 2010, but Pentagon officials offered few details about the highly sensitive program. The new funding will be used to repair and service 10 Mi-17 helicopters, provide four Huey IIs and train Yemeni crews to operate and maintain them, according to a Pentagon document prepared for Congress. The funding will enable the Yemeni Air Force to transport small units to participate in day or night operations in high altitudes, according to the document, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters. The $150 million package, up from $67 million last year, underscores U.S. concerns about the growing threat of Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The sum does not include covert U.S. assistance for Yemen, which has quietly increased in recent months. Yemen had asked for more helicopters to enable it to shuttle its forces more quickly into battle. In recent months, U.S. military and intelligence agencies have shared satellite and surveillance imagery, as well as intercepted communications, with Yemeni security forces to help them carry out air raids against al Qaeda targets, officials said. Posted by: Steve White 2010-02-27 |
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