11/02/2015

Embassy Closed And Diplomatic Staff Withdrawn From Yemen

The Foreign Office has confirmed that all British diplomatic staff have been withdrawn from Yemen and the embassy has been closed due to the security situation.

The office also advised any Britons remaining in Yemen to leave immediately.

It follows the breakdown of talks and Shia Houthi rebels seizing control of large parts of the country.

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said: "The security situation in Yemen has continued to deteriorate over recent days.

"Regrettably we now judge that our Embassy staff and premises are at increased risk.

"We have therefore decided to withdraw diplomatic staff and temporarily suspend the operations of the British Embassy in Sana'a. Our Ambassador and diplomatic staff have left Yemen this morning and will return to the UK."

(MH/CD)

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