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U.S. investigators ordered out of Yemen

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Tuesday, June 5, 2001

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States, concluding that its citizens and employees are in danger of terrorist attack, has closed its embassy in Yemen.

The State Department ordered the embassy closed in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa for an indefinite period. The announcement on Saturday said government employees in Yemen, including some diplomats, will leave the country.

Officials said the threat of terrorist attack from Saudi billionaire fugitive Osama Bin Laden has increased over the last few weeks. They also expressed dismay over the failure by Yemeni authorities to implement sufficient security procedures.

"The department currently believes there is an increased terrorist threat to U.S. citizens and interests in Yemen," the statement said. "As a result, the department has authorized the departure of embassy personnel in non-emergency positions and family members of embassy personnel. In addition, the U.S. embassy in Yemen will suspend service to the public."

Last week, U.S. investigators into the bombing of the USS Cole in Aden were ordered back to Sanaa amid security threats.

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