US, France, UK close embassies

Three countries warn their citizens to leave as political crisis increases instability, uncertainty

The United States, France and United Kingdom have closed their embassies in Yemen and evacuated their staff because of the political crisis and security concerns following the takeover of much of the country by Shiite rebels.

The US State Department confirmed late on Tuesday that it had suspended operations at the embassy in Sanaa and relocated its remaining diplomatic personnel "due to the ongoing political instability and the uncertain security situation". The embassy had been operating with only a skeleton staff for some weeks amid deteriorating conditions.