The country where the USS Cole was attacked, this is also the birthplace of bin Laden's father.

In December 2002, a North Korean cargo ship destined for Yemen was seized by Spanish forces. On the ship was discovered a shipment of Scud missiles hidden under bags of cement mix.The government of Yemen demanded their weapons, and with U.S. consent, the ship was released on its way to Yemen.

In December, 2002, a gunman cradling his gun like a baby slipped into a hospital and murdered three American missionaries and wounded a fourth. And in March, 2003, an American and a Canadian employed at a Western Oil company were killed by a terrorist gunman who then turned the gun on himself.