Who's in Charge in Yemen? Chaos Ensues as Shiite Rebels Force Ouster of US-backed President

News Staff : Jan 23, 2015
CBN News

Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, now control the capital and are widely believed to be backed by Iran.

(Yemen)—[CBN News] The president of Yemen has resigned under pressure from Shiite rebels who confined him to his home for the past two days. (Photo: Yemeni rebels/via NPR)

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi was a close U.S. ally. His ouster raises fears Yemen could split apart again, severely complicating U.S. efforts to combat al Qaeda's powerful branch in Yemen.

On Thursday, the State Department said the U.S. Embassy in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, would remain open but with reduced staff due to the instability there.

Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, now control the capital and are widely believed to be backed by Iran.

Yemen's prime minister and cabinet have also stepped down under pressure from the rebels.