Brennan calls Yemeni president, asks for action against al Qaeda

Brennan said this week that intelligence agencies are "on the job" to head off terror attacks over the holidays.

President Obama's chief counterterrorism adviser called Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh on Thursday to stress the importance of taking action against al-Qaeda forces there, the White House said Friday.

Brennan told Saleh that action was needed against al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to thwart future terrorist attacks, including in the U.S.

"Mr. Brennan emphasized the need to strengthen the already close cooperation between Yemeni and U.S. counterterrorism and security services, as well as with other partner nations, including the timely acquisition of all relevant information from individuals arrested by Yemeni security forces," a readout from the White House stated.

"Mr. Brennan conveyed President Obama’s appreciation for the sacrifices of the Yemeni people in confronting al-Qa’ida and expressed regret for the recent actions by wikileaks."

At a White House briefing this week, Brennan said that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are "on the job" to head off terror attacks over the holidays. He didn't cite any specific threats.

Brennan contended that authorities were better prepared for an attack like last Christmas, when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab allegedly attempted to detonate a plastic explosive concealed in his underwear as a flight descended into Detroit.

“We are in much better position today than we were last year at this time,” he said.

On Friday, Brennan participated in a conference call with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, FBI Director Robert Mueller, National Counterterrorism Center Director Michael Leiter, Deputy Director of the CIA Michael Morell, national security staff traveling with the president in Hawaii, and other representatives from the counterterrorism community.

"During the call, they reviewed the additional steps that are being taken to ensure vigilance throughout the holiday season, including enhanced security measures and close coordination with foreign partners," the White House said.