Good to have friends in Yemen, U.S. says

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Yemeni military officials traveled to the United States to receive orientation on formal military training from members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Six Yemeni military officials from counter-terrorism, coast guard and special forces received orientation at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island near Beaufort, S.C., the U.S. Marine Corp reported.

The Marine report described Yemen as situated geographically in a key strategic position in the Middle East, jutting out into the volatile Gulf of Aden. The report said the U.S. military was committed to the security, stability and mutual interest in the region.

The report made no mention of the ongoing conflict between Yemeni forces and al-Houthi rebels situated in the north of the country along the border with Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Robert Young, a chief coordinating officer, described U.S.-Yemeni cooperation as key to combating regional piracy and terrorism.

"Yemen has a vested interest in fighting terrorism and extremism on the Arabian Peninsula and any help we can provide to advance their efforts is well worth our time," he said. "It's good to have friends in Yemen."