U.S. encourages Yemen against AQAP

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The United States urged Yemen to take forceful action against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to thwart its plans, the White House said Friday.

John Brennan, assistant to the president for counter-terrorism and homeland security, called Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh Thursday to take action against AQAP to stop it from carrying out attacks in Yemen and elsewhere.

"Mr. Brennan emphasized the need to strengthen the already close cooperation between Yemeni and U.S. counter-terrorism and security services, as well as with other partner nations, including the timely acquisition of all relevant information from individuals arrested by Yemeni security forces," the White House said in a readout of the conversation.

"Mr. Brennan conveyed President Obama's appreciation for the sacrifices of the Yemeni people in confronting al-Qaida and expressed regret for the recent actions by WikiLeaks. Mr. Brennan thanked President Saleh for his explicit commitment to ensure the full cooperation of the Yemeni government and his pledge never to retreat in the face of al-Qaida's murderous agenda."

AQAP is believed behind parcel bombs placed aboard several U.S.-bound airplanes last month.