US, Britain agree to combat terrorism in Yemen

The US and Britain have agreed to fund a counter-terrorism police unit in Yemen. The cooperation came after US President Barack Obama announced the failed Christmas plane attack was linked to an al-Qaida affiliate in Yemen.

US officials say civil war and lawlessness are turning Yemen into a base for al Qaeda.

Britain is willing to intensify joint work with the US to tackle the emerging terrorist threat.

Saturday, the British Prime Minister's office announced several cooperative measures. Besides funding a counter-terrorism police unit in Yemen, the two countries will also cooperate in supporting the Yemeni coast guard.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government, training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al Qaida terrorists."

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown (R) and President Barack Obama walk out of Downing Street in London in this April 1, 2009 file photo. REUTERS/Toby Melville