'Withdraw immediately': Brits urged to flee Yemen as UK and US embassies close

The British embassy in Yemen has been closed and diplomatic staff have been withdrawn as more Brits are urged to leave immediately.

17:53 11 February 2015

The British diplomatic staff in Yemen have been withdrawn and the embassy has been closed while all Britons are urged to leave the country immediately due to an “increased risk.” The US had done the same and evacuated its staff.

The move came after Shia Houthi rebels took over large parts of the country and crisis talks broke down this week.

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said: "The security situation in Yemen has continued to deteriorate over recent days.

"Regrettably we now judge that our Embassy staff and premises are at increased risk.

"We have therefore decided to withdraw diplomatic staff and temporarily suspend the operations of the British Embassy in Sana'a. Our Ambassador and diplomatic staff have left Yemen this morning and will return to the UK."

Houthis seized a key aide of President Hadi last month. They later took the presidential palace and other key buildings that led to the resignation of Mr Hadi who has been under house arrest along with other ministers.