Washington, February 26: On Thursday, the Department of State renewed a warning for U.S. citizens regarding the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities, the Bureau of Consular Affairs informed.
American citizens are advises to defer non-essential travel to Yemen. American citizens that must travel or stay in the Asian country should monitor the U.S. Embassy website and should make contingency emergency plans. This travel warning extended the one issued in June 2009.
In the last year U.S. citizens, businesses, facilities and perceived interest have been targeted by terrorist groups for what they call American interference in Yemen. Al-Qaeda made one the strongest attacks in recent memory. On September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen. The struggle occurred in the main gate. Several Yemeni security personnel and one Embassy security guard were killed, as well as a few terrorists.
Kidnapping has become one of the preferred methods used by extremist individuals and terrorist organizations. In 2009, kidnapping increased considerably in this region representing an escalation in terror tactics in Yemen. One example, on June 12, 2009, seven Germans, one Briton, and one South Korean were kidnapped in Sa’ada, three of them were murdered.
Another danger is the risk of pirate attacks. In 2009, more than 70 vessels were reportedly attacked. So far, in 2010, there have been 4 vessels seized and only one has been released in February. Somali pirates dominate the region; from the Red Sea to as far as the Indian Ocean. The African pirates have also threatened to retaliate against American citizens transiting the region.
The Department of State has issued some security measures that must be followed to avoid unnecessary risks. The Department highlights some basic individual measures such as maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current.
Furthermore, American travelers should register at the U.S. Embassy to receive updates regarding the current situation in Yemen, such as restricted places and attack alerts.
–IANS–