Evacuation of embassy staff serves interests of extremists

The Yemeni government has said the evacuation of the personnel of major Western embassies from Sana’a over security fears “serves” the interests of the extremists.

“While the government of Yemen appreciates foreign governments’ concern for the safety of their citizens, the evacuation of embassy staff serves the interests of the extremists,” Yemen’s foreign ministry said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The statement came after countries like Norway, France, Britain and Germany decided to close their embassies in the Arab country earlier this week. The move followed a US decision to close some of its embassies over security fears that al-Qaeda may be planning to conduct attacks.

The statement also said that the withdrawal of personnel “undermines the exceptional cooperation between Yemen and the international alliance against terrorism,” noting that authorities in Yemen have “taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of foreign missions.”

The United States closed 21 embassies and consulates in the Middle East and North Africa on August 4, saying that the country’s embassies and consulates in 19 cities will remain closed until next Saturday.

On Friday, the UK Foreign Office announced that its embassy in Sana’a would be closed on Sunday and Monday and that a number of personnel had been withdrawn from the Yemeni capital due to increased security fears.