CAIRO — The United States has sharply reduced official travel in
Yemen.
"While the U.S. embassy has no information of an imminent threat, the
embassy has advised that official Americans are most vulnerable when they
are not at their residences or working at the embassy," the embassy said.
The embassy has warned that Americans could come under attack in Yemen, Middle East Newsline reported.
The embassy cited the escape by 23 Islamic inmates who escaped jail on Feb.
4. Thirteen of the fugitives were Al Qaida convicts.
"[The] escape of 23 convicted and suspected Al Qaida operatives from a
Sanaa prison has highlighted the need for Americans to review their personal
security practices," the embassy said.
There are fewer than 2,000 Americans in Yemen. Most of them are embassy
staff, military advisers and oil workers.
The statement urged Americans to carry cellular phones, avoid crowded
areas, limit visits outside their homes, reduce travel and avoid trips after
dark. The embassy also advised officials to suspend numerous non-essential
or regular trips for at least several weeks.
"Americans are most likely to be targeted while traveling to and from
work and home, and while shopping, sightseeing and visiting friends," the
statement said.
The U.S. embassy in Sanaa has canceled some travel to and within Yemen.
The statement said embassy security officials were reviewing all travel to
and within Yemen.
