Unrest in Yemen capital: US orders its diplomats to leave the country

Washington, Sept 26: In the wake of deteriorating security, the

State Department on Thursday ordered some of its diplomats and other government workers at the US embassy in

to leave the country. The country's capital was captured by

rebels recently.

Yemeni capital is now witnessing sectarian clashes and unrest. The US has issues a separate travel warning for its citizens, which said the step was taken "due to the continued civil unrest and the potential for military escalation."

"Today, the Department of State ordered a temporary reduction in the number of US government personnel in Yemen," the department said in a statement. "We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution and in response to recent political developments and the changing, unpredictable security situation in Yemen."

However, the US embassy in Sana'a would remain open.

The Shia rebels, known as the Houthis, captured Sana'a during the weekend, defeating Sunni Islamist fighters.

Reportedly, the rebels have inked a peace deal with the government. But tension remains as the rebels have ignored calls for fighters to leave the city.

Sources say that the Houthis are backed by Iran.

Oneindia News