Yemen criticizes foreign embassy evacuations

AP ^ | 8/6/2013

[EBH]

Yemeni officials have suggested al-Qaida threats to multiple potential targets in their country in recent days, including foreign installations and government offices in the capital of Sanaa as well as to the strategic Bab al-Mandeb straits at the entrance to the Red Sea in the southern Arabian Peninsula.

It is not clear if these reports are the same as the intelligence that led to the temporary shutdowns of 19 U.S. diplomatic posts across the Muslim world, reportedly instigated by an intercepted message between al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahri and his deputy in Yemen about plans for a major terrorist attack.

The State Department on Tuesday ordered nonessential personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Yemen to leave the country. The department said in a travel warning that it had ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel "due to the continued potential for terrorist attacks," adding that U.S. citizens should leave immediately because of an "extremely high" security threat level.

Britain's Foreign Office also said it has evacuated all staff from its embassy due to increased security concerns. The Foreign Office said the staff were "temporarily withdrawn to the U.K." on Tuesday.

Yemen increased security around the presidential palace and vital state institutions. Tanks and armored vehicles were seen near the palace, and authorities set up checkpoints across the capital, searching cars and individuals, especially at night. Top government officials, along with military and security commanders, were asked to remain vigilant and limit their movements.

Yemen increased security around the presidential palace and vital state institutions. Tanks and armored vehicles were seen near the palace, and authorities set up checkpoints across the capital, searching cars and individuals, especially at night. Top government officials, along with military and security commanders, were asked to remain vigilant and limit their movements.

[bunster]

Meanwhile, Drudge reporting military helicopter shot down over Yemen - 8 dead. Though not specific on whether US military helicopter... but is there any other?

[jacknhoo]

I don’t see, anywhere in the article, where is says anything leading to what the title implies, regarding being critical.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks EBH.

[upchuck]

I don’t see, anywhere in the article, where is says anything leading to what the title implies, regarding being critical.

Here ya go:

A statement by the Yemeni Embassy in Washington says Tuesday's decision to evacuate "serves the interests of the extremists and undermines the exceptional cooperation" between Yemen and the international community in the fight against terrorism.

The embassy says it appreciates the concern of foreign governments for their citizens but insists the government has taken all precautions to ensure the security of foreign missions in the capital, Sanaa.

[uncommonsense]

Agree, EBH buried the headline.

I see many posters excerpt somewhat indiscriminately - versus cull and post the most salient points. It might be laziness, or it might be too much of a hurry to post before someone else...