Fourth western Embassy Shuts over Security Threats in Yemen

Local Editor, 5-1-2010



The French embassy in the Yemeni capital has closed its doors to the public for security reasons, the foreign ministry reported.

The move follows the closure of the US, British, and Japanese embassies in Sanaa and curtailed services at many others.

The closure of embassies in Yemen came after indications that Al Qaeda is willing to attack the western interests in Yemen.

"On January 3, our ambassador decided to no longer authorise public access to the premises of our diplomatic mission," French spokesman Bernard Valero told reporters.

He said French citizens in the country had been warned to remain vigilant and to limit their movements.

In Addition, Japan suspended consular services at its embassy Monday, the Japanese foreign ministry said.

"We have shut the consular service section at the Japanese embassy, where Yemeni people come to apply for visas," said Yukiya Hamamoto, an official at the foreign ministry's Middle East section.

American and British embassies in Sanaa remain closed for a third day following the indications.

According to Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan, there were indications "Al Qaeda is planning to carry out an attack against (a) target inside of Sanaa, possibly our embassy."

He added that United States was not opening a new front against Al Qaeda in Yemen and has no plans to send troops there, but it's going to coordinate with Sanaa to "wipe out" Al-Qaeda.

Yemeni authorities meanwhile have tightened security measures at and around the capital's airport, as well as around several embassies.

Meanwhile, US mass media said that US had a hand in the attacks on Al Qaeda posts in Yemen two weeks ago.