Global General

US embassy in Yemen to open as conditions permit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-05 09:13

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that US embassy in Yemen would be reopened as conditions permit, but stressing that terror attacks conducted by al-Qada in Yemen are severe threats to regional and global stability.

Clinton told reporters, after her meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabir Al Thani, that the decision on reopening the embassy would be taken "as conditions permit."

The embassy, which was closed on Sunday in response to ongoing threats by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to attack US interests in Yemen.

"We see global implications from the war in Yemen and the ongoing efforts by al-Qaida in Yemen to use it as a base for terrorist attacks far beyond the region," said the secretary.

John Brennan, President Barack Obama's aide on homeland security and counterterrorism, told CNN on Sunday that there are indications that al-Qaida has been planning to carry out an attack against a target inside Sanaa.

"What we do is to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of our diplomats and citizens abroad, so the decision was made to close the embassy," said Brennan, adding that the administration is working closely with the Yemeni government on strengthening security protection.

Last month, Yemeni officials said raids against AQAP hideouts in the southern province of Abyan and Arhab district, to the northeast of Sanaa, left some 60 militants killed and dozens others arrested.

The AQAP, who said the deadly strikes were conducted by the United States, has claimed responsibility for a foiled Christmas Day attempt to bomb a US aircraft.