Yemen has also been a security focus of the U.S since the USS Cole was bombed in 2000 by Al-Qaeda, in the Yemeni port of Aden, killing 17 U.S sailors. Since the incident the U.S has made strides to up the level of security in the area, and try to maintain their power against terrorist organizations in the region.

Although the attack took place in Yemen, it was a clear example of how terrorist organizations will try and counter America’s strength by targeting them internationally, where their power and influence may be weaker. Also, Yemen openly backs America’s War on Terror since U.S Special Forces have been helping their government fight the Islamist militants who reside in the region. Unfortunately Yemen is a poor country in the Middle East that is surrounded by a rugged mountainous terrain with a large supply of weaponry. This makes Yemen, a country that is wanted by both sides, the terrorists who would like to gain access to the weapons, so to then be able to fight off U.S forces and secure power in the region, and for the U.S is seeking to stretch their power and strength over the middle east in order to smother the terrorist organizations.

If the attack had been successful it would have been a way for terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda to prove that the U.S is not as powerful as it portrays it self to be, as well as for them to gain power, by causing other countries to be fearful of their anti-American tactics.