Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the situation in Yemen:

“A few short months ago, the President was citing Yemen as a model for counterterrorism success.  It has been a partner.  But unfortunately, Yemen is becoming the latest country to spiral out of control – with deep consequences for U.S. and international security.  An Iranian-sponsored militia is seeking to take control.  Today’s agreement – made at the barrel of a gun – doesn’t bode well for stability.  That only gives Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch more room to operate and plan attacks nearby or abroad.  At least one of the Paris attackers received weapons training in Yemen.  A Sunni-Shia civil war in the Arabian Peninsula would threaten to spill into Saudi Arabia, which has previously intervened in the fighting.

“Last night, the President painted a picture of a United States that is more secure.  If only it were so.  Yemen, like Libya and Syria, is another example in which America’s enemies are strengthening, the threat from terrorist groups is growing, and American leadership is lacking.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to ensure the safety and security of U.S. diplomatic personnel in the country.”

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