Residents near the US embassy live in state of fear

Residents living near the US embassy last Tuesday complained about blocked streets leading to their residences and businesses. In a message sent by residents to the Minister of Interior, the Speaker of Parliament and the Mayor of Sana’a, they requested the opening of Sheraton Street, whose closing has hurt their business. They asked for a solution that would allow them to live their lives and conduct business, while at the same time providing security for the embassy.

Residents of the area denounced the attack against the US embassy in September, saying that the newly closed streets have caused them serious difficulties by restricting their movement to and from their houses and by impeding their ability to do business. Many residents interviewed by the Yemen Observer were annoyed, and complained that their neighborhood has become a restricted security site, causing all manner of problems for them and their families. They compare the area to the Green Zone in Baghdad- the small heavily defended inner core of the city where the American administration operates and where movement is heavily restricted.

One local official, Ali Mohammed claimed that the price of land in the area has decreased exponentially and people are eager to move from the area as it has become the site of repeated problems due to it’s proximity to the US embassy. Another resident complained about the difficulties local citizens have in acquiring medical help.

Mohammed said that he understands and appreciates the efforts of security forces after the attack of September 17th, which resulted in the death of 18 people, but said these measures have come at the expense of residents and their freedom as they and any visitors are subject to searches. 

Shopkeepers in the area claim that they have lost considerable amounts of money due to the blockage of the area, and they have few customers entering their shops. Many fear they may soon have to declare bankruptcy and close their shops. Security units have blocked the area and enacted serious safety measures after the attack against the US embassy.

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