Better security situation in Yemen for US diplomats

The United States (US) Embassy in Sana’a reported that the return of its non-essential staff to Yemen came as a result of the improvement in the security situation of the country.   

“The Department of State determined that the security situation in Sana'a has improved sufficiently to lift the ordered departure status to allow the return of the Embassy's non-emergency staff and adult family members," the Embassy spokesperson, Ryan Gliha told the Yemen Observer on Monday.   

Earlier this month, the US government said that the diplomats who were ordered to leave last March will return to Yemen.

"The Department of State lifted the ordered departure status of non-emergency American employees and adult family members of all employees at the US Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen," said an official statement released on August 11, 2008.

However, the Department of State recommended that the US citizens “defer non-essential travel to Yemen at this time” saying that the “security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in the country.”   

“Embassy employees have been advised to exercise caution when choosing restaurants, hotels or visiting tourist areas in Sana’a in order to avoid large gatherings of foreigners and expatriates,” said the statement. 

Last March, US Department of State ordered the departure of the non-essential staff after a spate of failed terrorist attacks claimed by Al Qaeda on western interests in the country, including a failed attack on the embassy.

Commenting on the return of the American diplomats, the Yemeni government considered it as a success for its efforts in combating terrorism. "The return of the diplomats reflected the big success achieved by the security forces in hunting down the terrorists, including the last operation in Hadhramout," said an official statement. 

On August 11 the security forces raided a hideout of a 7 member Al Qaeda group in Tarim, Hadhramout, killing five of them including an alleged leader and injuring and arresting the two others. Two soldiers were killed and four others injured.

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