The United States admitted its counterterrorism capability in Yemen has weakened following the shut down of its embassy there. 

Officials said operations such as the use of armed drones against terror group Al Qaeda had been compromised for lack of ground intelligence personnel to run them. 

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The United States, together with Britain and France, rushed to close their embassies in Yemen citing security concerns.  The sudden shut down came as thousands gathered in demonstrations, amid the Houthi militants' takeover of the capital Sanaa.

Despite the embassy closure, U.S. officials said some counterterrorism personnel still conduct operations in Yemen.

Sources said at least two drone strikes have been executed against suspected Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) since the Houthis dissolved the parliament and ousted the president. 

The AQAP, one of Al Qaeda's most dangerous and affiliates, had been a U.S. target for years.

Earlier this week, the Shi'ite militia had said the closure of the embassy of the three western countries were not justified. 

Houthi leaders said the shutdown were meant to put pressure on the Yemeni people and made it appear that the security situation in Yemen is unstable.

Officials did not elaborate on the details surrounding counterterrorism personnel's presence in Yemen. 

They also did not disclose how many personnel were evacuated.

Before their departure, all weapons were destroyed - smashed with hedgehammers.

The U.S. Marine Corps stressed no weapons were handed over Yemen. 

Tagsyemen, US, counterterrorism