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Sana'a: The US embassy in Sana'a has said the move to return its non-essential staff to Yemen was a result of the country's improved security situation.
"The Department of State determined that the security situation in Sana'a has improved sufficiently to lift the ordered departure status to allow the return of the embassy's non-emergency staff and adult family members," Embassy spokesperson, Ryan Gliha told Gulf News on Sunday.
Earlier this month, the US government said diplomats who were ordered to leave in March will return to Yemen.
Caution
"The Department of State has lifted the ordered departure status of non-emergency American employees and adult family members of all employees at the US Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen," said an official statement released on August 11.
However, the Department of State has recommended that US citizens "defer non-essential travel to Yemen at this time," saying the "security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in Yemen."
"Embassy employees have been advised to exercise caution when choosing restaurants, hotels or visiting tourist areas in Sana'a in order to avoid large gatherings of foreigners and expatriates," said the statement.
The US Department of State ordered the departure of non-essential staff after a spate of failed terrorist attacks claimed by Al Qaida on Western interests in the country, including a failed attack on the embassy. Commenting on the return of the US diplomats, the Yemeni government considers it a success in its efforts to combat terrorism.
"The return of the diplomats reflects the success achieved by the security forces in hunting down terrorists, including the last operation in Hudhrmout," said an official statement.
On August 11 security forces raided an Al Qaida hideout in Hudhrmout, killing five Al Qaida suspects members, including an alleged leader.
Campaign: Al Qaida crackdown
Yemeni security forces are implementing a widescale campaign to arrest 35 Al Qaida suspects after collecting information about them from last week's operations in which Al Qaida suspects were arrested and killed, a security official said on Saturday.
The names and pictures of the suspects have been distributed at all checkpoints and border crossings, said the official.
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