Travel Warnings & Warden Messages
Security Concerns in Yemen
September 16, 2009
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East region. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official (Diplomatic and Military) and private interests. Examples of such targets include hotels, clubs, restaurants, residential areas, business offices, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Westerners gather.
The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a encourages all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. U.S. citizens should review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition, the U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens review the Personal Security Checklist below.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a’s website, http://yemen.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Yemen, and other Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
U.S. citizens living and residing in Yemen are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at SanaaACS@state.gov or by calling [967] 1 755 2266 or 2153 for routine services or [967] 1 755 2000 for after hours emergencies. Further updates will be forthcoming when new information is available. This complete message is available on the Embassy's website at http://yemen.usembassy.gov/yemen/citizen_citizen_services.html
Recommended Personal Security Checklist:
•Vary your times and routes to and from work.
•Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle).
•Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle. Look for anomalies or other things that do not belong in your car.
•Maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself.
•Identify suspicious persons, vehicles, or surveillance activity and report the information to the security authority of your sponsor or to localpolice.
•Remain alert to what is going on around you (situational awareness)
•Brief your colleagues and family of your daily plans and provide instructions on how to reach you.
•Encourage your staff to vary their hours of reporting (i.e., avoid scheduling meetings at the same time such as early each morning which would preclude the staff from varying their reporting times).
• In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
• To the extent possible avoid choke points (locations that are time and place predictable) in travel. Be wary of diversions.
• If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police and your designated security-charge person. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
• Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be unpredictable and avoid rigid patterns and routines.
• Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an open setting.
• Ensure all of your family members are briefed on security measures.