U.S. President Barack Obama has issued an executive order allowing sanctions to be imposed on people and entities who seek to undermine the political transition in Yemen.
The order allows the Treasury Department to freeze the U.S.-based assets of those who the White House says "threaten the peace, security and stability" of Yemen.
The order does not immediately levy any penalties against specific people or organizations.
Yemen is a key partner for the United States in its war on terrorism, and officials fear political instability in the Arabian Peninsula state will provide an opportunity for Al-Qaeda affiliates to expand their influence.
The order allows the Treasury Department to freeze the U.S.-based assets of those who the White House says "threaten the peace, security and stability" of Yemen.
The order does not immediately levy any penalties against specific people or organizations.
Yemen is a key partner for the United States in its war on terrorism, and officials fear political instability in the Arabian Peninsula state will provide an opportunity for Al-Qaeda affiliates to expand their influence.