Tensions have escalated in recent months between the Huthis and Salafis in Yemen, raising the possibility of sectarian violence in the post-Arab revolution nation whose interim government is working hard to bring its disparate political forces together.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has confirmed that its deputy leader Sheikh Saeed al-Shehri was killed by a US drone-strike in Yemen.
After three decades of corruption and patronage exchanged for loyalty, the new Yemeni government is taking responsibility for development projects and alliances are beginning to shift within the country.
Donors have pledged billions of dollars to aid in Yemen, but it is unclear how that money is being distributed and to whom with funding for humanitarian needs lagging in the country and NGOs wanting a larger role.
Whilst Yemeni President Hadi has always been in support of the US drone strikes in his country, his symbolic “opposition” to the arrival of 50 US marines is a useful political tool to quieten his critics.