Yemen supports U.S. in terror efforts

SANAA, Yemen, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The Yemeni government pledged to continue to fight terrorists in its country who are moving to destabilize the region, the Yemeni president said.

Yemen's state media agency, Saba, reports Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh spoke by telephone with U.S. President Barack Obama on national security.

Saleh, the report said, welcomed Washington's continued support for development and stability in Yemen.

Obama in his message to the Yemeni leader said Washington was "committed" to cooperation in Yemen, calling on donor states to do more to help the country "face all challenges."

"The U.S. will continue to support Yemen logistically and in the developmental, political and security areas," Saba quoted the U.S. president as saying.

Washington came under fire recently following allegations that U.S. fighters were conducting airstrikes against al-Houthi rebels fighting government forces in northern Yemen.

Yemen launched military operations against al-Houthi rebels in August. The conflict has spread to include Saudi Arabia, which entered the fight on border concerns.

The Yemeni government blames Tehran for backing al-Houthi rebels, a claim the Iranians deny.

Washington said it is not involved in the conflict militarily, though U.S. troops have acted in a training capacity with Yemeni forces.