MIDDLE EAST
Yemen,
February 23, 2000-- The Department of State warns United States citizens
to consider whether they should travel to Yemen in light of several incidents
involving Americans and other foreigners.
Sixteen Western tourists, including two Americans, were abducted in southern
Yemen on December 28, 1998 by an anti-Western terrorist group. Four of
the tourists died in a subsequent clash between the terrorists and Yemeni
government forces. Several of the terrorists were captured. In a related
case, six extremists were arrested by Yemeni authorities on December 23,
1998, and accused of planning to bomb Western targets in Yemen. On October
17, 1999, the leader of the group responsible for the kidnapping was executed.
Following the execution, persons claiming to speak on behalf of the organization
warned Westerners they would be attacked if they did not leave Yemen,
although the threat was not carried out. As these incidents indicate,
the level of risk for foreigners in Yemen remains high.
More than 100 kidnappings have occurred throughout Yemen since 1991. In
addition to the one noted above, American citizens were the victims of
kidnappings in late October 1999 and January 2000. These kidnappings are
mainly conducted by armed tribesmen with grievances against the Yemeni
government. They are normally resolved peacefully within a few days, although
in rare cases tribesmen have held some foreigners for extended periods.
Some kidnappings or attempted kidnappings are initiated by carjacking.
Those Americans who have considered this warning, but nevertheless decide
travel to Yemen is essential, should exercise a very high level of caution.
They should make security arrangements in advance with their sponsoring
organization in Yemen, vary routes and times of daily commute, and travel
between cities only by air or with an armed escort. Americans in Yemen
should also ensure they are registered with the American Embassy in Sanaa,
and remain in contact with the Embassy for updated security information
at telephone (967) (1) 238-844 through 238-852.
Maps courtesy of 4maps.com.
For questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact Laura Bauer:
laura@worldtravelcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-234-1862
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