State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki confirmed Wednesday that Iranian-backed gunmen fired at an American embassy official vehicle.
On Monday night, Houthi rebels fired upon a U.S. Embassy SUV carrying American diplomatic personnel. It is believed their intent was to target and kill U.S. officials. When asked for more information, Psaki refused to comment further.
The Shiite rebels have surrounded Yemen’s presidential palace. President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi is in the rebels' captivity and no longer controls the impoverished country.
President Obama has fought both Republicans and Democrats in Congress against imposing more sanctions on Iran. In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, the president said that new sanctions on the largest state supporter of terror would negatively impact negotiations over nuclear weapons.
American citizens being attacked by an Iran-sponsored group will only enflame Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) and others in Congress further.
Yemen is a key ally for America’s fight against terrorism, especially an al Qaeda affiliate associated with recent attacks in Europe. Obama bragged just days ago about the success of U.S. foreign policy in Yemen.
The coup will certainly diminish or end U.S. drone operations to destroy terrorist organizations in the country.