Country Profile for YEMEN

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Risk Rating

General Information

Country Map
Red (High Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous.
Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.


Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice:
Some parts of the country are dangerous.
Travel with caution.


Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are safe.
Travel freely.
 
Capital: Sana'a

Major Languages: Arabic

Currency: Yemeni Rial

Timezone: GMT +3:00
 

Overview

Overview

 

Yemen is currently experiencing a sustained period of instability and there are a number of serious security concerns in the country.  The threat of Islamic terrorism in Yemen is high and there have been a number of recent attacks, specifically against Western interests and personnel.  The main threat comes from the group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, but there are a number of other extremist groups who are known to operate in the country.  Attacks occur throughout the country, although the threat is heightened in the capital Sana’a. Visitors should remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions, such as varying travel patterns if spending a prolonged period in the country.

Islamic terrorist groups are believed to operate in Yemen because of the instability within the country. The government has limited control in large sections of Yemen and there are a variety of internal power struggles which often lead to low-level conflicts and violent civil unrest.  There are a number of separatist groups in the south of the country who are fighting to create a separate state.  In the northern Saada region security forces regularly clash with the Shiite militant group, the Believing Youth.  Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and frequently turn violent.  As a consequence visitors should avoid all large public gatherings as a precaution.

With all of the internal problems in the country crime is only a minor concern.  State security forces have a visible presence in most major urban areas and incidents of crime are largely limited to pick-pocketing and bag-snatching.  The risk of violent crime is increased in rural tribal areas due to the lack of state control and limited law and order in these areas.

 

Health

 

  • Recommended vaccinations/boosters: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Tuberculosis and Typhoid.
  • Due to incidents of Rabies in Yemen necessary precautions, such as avoiding direct contact with animals, is advised.
  • Insect-borne diseases Malaria and Dengue Fever exist in the country.  Precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
  • Risk of the parasitic infection Schistosomiasis.  Avoid swimming or bathing in fresh water. 
  • Standard of health care is low, especially in rural areas where resources are severely limited.  Visitors should arrange any required medication and extensive medical insurance prior to arrival.

 

Travel

 

  • Sana’a International Airport is located 13km from the city centre.
  • Taxis are widely available and fares should be agreed prior to departure.  Avoid using unlicensed cars wherever possible.
  • Travel outside of the capital is extremely dangerous.  Any essential travel should only be undertaken with serious safety precautions.  Consider employing local guides/drivers as well as personal security guards.

 

Alerts

Alert for Yemen

 

Al-Qaeda militants killed in Yemen offensive - 15 May 2012:

At least 32 people, including 23 al-Qaeda militants, have been killed during a military offensive in Yemen.  The US has been increasing drone attacks against insurgents in the south of the country, 

Al-Qaeda militants attack army base - 07 May 2012:

At least 32 soldiers have been killed after al-Qaeda militants attacked an army base outside the southern city of Zinjibar.  The raid comes a day after a drones killed the al-Qaeda leader Fahd al-Quso in eastern Yemen.

Red Cross national kidnapped in Yemen - 22 April 2012:

A member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in western Yemen.  The French national was taken from 30 km outside the port of Hodeida.

Checkpoint attacked by militants in Aden - 14 April 2012:

At least 12 people have been killed after al-Qaeda militants attacked a checkpoint in the southern port city of Aden.

Saudi diplomat kidnapped in southern Yemen - 28 March 2012:

A Saudi Arabian deputy consul has been kidnapped in the southern port city of Aden by unknown gunmen.  The man, named as Abdullah al-Khalidi, was abducted as he left his house in the Mansoura neighbourhood. 

Yemeni intelligence officer killed by al-Qaeda gunmen - 22 March 2012:

A Yemeni intelligence officer has been killed by suspected al-Qaeda militants in the south-eastern Hadramawt province.  The victim was kidnapped from a road near Mukalla before being executed by the group.

US national shot dead in Taiz - 18 March 2012:

A US national has been shot dead by al-Qaeda linked militants in the city of Taiz.  The victim was driving to work when he was fired upon by gunmen on motorbikes.

Swiss national kidnapped in Yemen - 16 March 2012:

A Swiss woman has been kidnapped by al-Qaeda militants in western Yemen.  The militants are believed to have since moved her to the southern Shabwa province.

Troops clash with militants - 04 March 2012:

At least 35 Yemeni soldiers have been killed in clashes with al-Qaeda linked militants in Zinjibar.  Around 14 militants are also reported to have been killed in the fighting.

Suicide car bomb kills 26 in Mukalla - 25 February 2012:

At least 26 people have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in the southern city of Mukalla.  The bomb exploded outside a presidential palace in the city, and most of the dead are reported to be members of the Republic Guard.  Local al-Qaeda militants are suspected of carrying out the attack.

Militants attack polling station ahead of vote - 20 February 2012:

Militants have blown up a polling station in the southern port city of Aden, ahead of a presidential vote.  Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, the current vice president, is expected to become the new president after Tuesday's vote, in which he is the only candidate.

Al-Qaeda chief killed in southern clashes - 16 February 2012:

At least 16 people have been killed, including a local al-Qaeda chief, after clashes broke out in the southern town of al-Masaneh.  Tarek al-Dahab was shot dead by his half brother Hizam, which sparked the revenge attacks by al-Qaeda militants.

Militants killed during army clashes in south - 02 February 2012:

At least five militants have been killed following clashes with the armed forces in the southern city of Zinjibar.  Elsewhere the six foreign aid workers who were captured on Tuesday have been released following mediation by the Energy Minister and the release of a local tribesman.

Aid workers kidnapped in Mahweet province - 31 January 2012:

Six aid workers have been kidnapped from Mahweet province by a group of armed militants.  The hostages consist of two Yemenis, a German, an Iraqi, a Palestinian and a Colombian national.

Clashes in south Yemen leave 6 militants dead - 25 January 2012:

A series of clashes have erupted in southern Yemen, leaving six Islamic militants dead and 10 soldiers wounded.  The fighting took place in the city of Zinjibar, a stronghold for al-Qaeda affiliated rebels.  

UN official kidnapped in Sana'a - 16 January 2012:

A Norwegian UN official has been kidnapped from the Yemeni capital Sana'a by a group of armed tribesmen.  The victim is in the country as part of the UN election observation team ahead of presidential elections scheduled for February.

President Saleh agrees to step down - 23 November 2011:

Yemeni President Ali Abduallah Saleh has signed a deal to hand over power to Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, the current vice-president.  Hadi is expected to preside over the the presidential elections, scheduled to take place within 90 days.

Army kills five al-Qaeda suspects in south - 09 November 2011:

The Yemeni army claim to have killed at least five al-Qaeda militants in the southern town of Zinjibar.  One of the militants is reported to have been an Indonesian national.

Security forces fire at protesters in Sana'a - 16 October 2011:

Security forces have opened fire at anti-government protesters over the weekend, killing at least 16 people and injuring around 100.  The protesters were attempting to march towards the presidential palace in Sana'a when they were targeted by troops.

Continued violence as Govt cracks down on protestors - 20 September 2011:

Government forces in Yemen have continued firing shells at a protester camp in the capital, witnesses say. Explosions rocked Sanaa all night, and at least six people were killed in a third day of unrest, reports say. Government forces launched a bloody assault on the protesters on Sunday in a crackdown that has now claimed the lives of more than 50 people.

Crackdown on protesters leaves more than 20 dead - 19 September 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed after Yemeni security forces clashed with anti-government protesters in the country's  capital, Sana'a.  Snipers fired at demonstrators from rooftops and army tanks have been shelling areas controlled by opposition forces.

Twin suicide blasts kill 11 in southern Yemen - 21 August 2011:

Two suicide bomb attacks have killed 11 anti-government tribesmen in the southern province of Abyan. Al-Qaeda linked militants are believed to have carried out the attacks.

Suspected al-Qaeda militants killed in south Yemen - 27 July 2011:

At least 12 suspected al-Qaeda militants have been killed after the Yemeni air force carried out a series of air strikes on the town of Al-Khamila.  Six civilians were also injured in the operations.

Further car bomb attacks kill four in Aden - 24 July 2011:

At least four people have been killed after another car bomb attack in the southern port city of Aden.  A further 21 people were injured in the blast which comes only days after a British national was killed in a similar attack.

Car bomb kills British worker in Aden - 20 July 2011:

A car bomb blast has killed a British national in the port city of Aden in southern Yemen.  Although no group have taken responsibility for the attack early reports suggest that the victim had been specifically targeted.  The victim had been living in Yemen while working for an Aden-based shipping company.

Soldiers ambushed by suspected al-Qaeda militants - 07 July 2011:

At least 13 people have been killed in two attacks by suspected al-Qaeda militants in southern Yemen.  In the most deadly attack 10 Yemeni soldiers were killed when their convoy was attacked outside of the city of Loder in Abyan province. 

Government claims to have killed 40 al-Qaeda militants - 06 July 2011:

Yemen's state news agency has claimed that the army has killed at least 40 al-Qaeda militants in two days of air strikes.  The strikes took place in the southern province of Abyan.

Al-Qaeda fighters escape from Yemeni jail - 22 June 2011:

Sixty-two al-Qaeda militants have escaped from a jail in southern Yemen after killing one guard and wounding another.  The inmates are reported to have fought their way out as militants attacked the prison from the outside.

Suspected al-Qaeda militants killed in Zinjibar - 19 June 2011:

Yemeni security forces have killed at least 12 suspected al-Qaeda militants in the southern city of Zinjibar.  The army have said that two of its soldiers were also killed in the fighting as troops battled gunmen for control of the city.

Yemeni troops clash with al-Qaeda militants - 07 June 2011:

Yemeni troops have clashed with suspected members of al-Qaeda in the south of the country.  At least 15 people were killed in the clashes, including nine soldiers, as the troops advanced on the city of Zinjibar.  The city has been under control of al-Qaeda militants since May 29.

President Saleh injured in palace shelling - 03 June 2011:

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been injured after the presidential palace in Sana'a was hit by shelling.  The countries prime minister is also reported to have been injured in the attack, which the authorities have blamed on dissident tribesmen.

UN claims 50 killed in Taiz unrest - 31 May 2011: 

More than 50 people have been killed in demonstrations in the city of Taiz, according to the UN.  Fighting between protesters and security forces has also been reported in the capital Sana'a.

24 killed as fighting intensifies in Sana'a - 26 May 2011:

 At least 24 people have been killed as fighting between supporters and opponents of President Saleh intensified overnight.  The US government has ordered all of its non-emergency embassy staff to leave the country.

Security forces clash with tribal fighters in Sana'a - 24 May 2011:

Government forces have been battling tribal forces in the capital, Sana'a, prompting fears of civil war.  At least six people have been killed and dozens more injured in the latest round of clashes.

Security forces fire on protesters in Taiz - 09 May 2011:

Yemeni security forces have opened fired on protesters in the southern city of Taiz in the latest crackdown against civil unrest in the country.  At least three people have been killed and dozens more injured after troops used live ammunition, tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators.

Al-Qaeda leaders killed in suspected drone attack - 05 May 2011:

Two mid-level al-Qaeda operatives have been killed in Yemen in a suspected drone attack.  The two men, identified as brothers Musa'id and Abdullah Mubarak,  were killed in the remote town of Shabwa in central Yemen.

More protesters killed as unrest continues - 27 April 2011:

At least nine protesters are reported to have been killed after security forces opened fire on a demonstration in Sana'a.  Three protesters are also reported to have been shot dead by troops in the city of Aden.

Five killed in ongoing unrest - 13 April 2011:

Five more people have been killed in the latest clashes between anti-government protesters and government security forces in Sana'a.  Two people are also reported to have been killed in clashes in the southern city of Aden.

Protesters shot dead in southern Yemen - 04 April 2011:

At least 15 protesters have been killed after government troops opened fire on crowds in the town of Taiz.  Police also opened fire on protesters in the Red Sea town of Hudaida, leaving more than 400 people injured.

Army commanders defect as pressure builds on president Saleh - 21 March 2011:

A growing number of senior military figures, including several army commanders, have defected from the government and called on president Saleh to resign.  A leading tribal leader, Sadiq al-Ahmar, has also called upon Saleh to step down as president after 32 years.

Unidentified gunmen fire at protesters - 18 March 2011:

At least 40 people have been killed after unidentified gunmen began firing on anti-government protesters in Yemen's capital, Sana'a.  The gunmen fired on the crowds from rooftop positions and more than 200 people are reported to have been injured in the violence.

Anti-government protesters clash with Police in Sana'a - 13 March 2011:

Anti-government protesters have clashed with police following renewed demonstrations in the country's capital, Sana'a.  The police are reported to have fired live ammunition and tear gas at the protesters and dozens of people have been injured in the latest wave of unrest.

Al-Qaeda militants kill six soldiers in Yemen - 07 March 2011:

Suspected al-Qaeda militants have killed six soldiers in three separate attacks across Yemen.  Four soldiers were killed near the town of Marib, an army intelligence officer was shot dead in the city of Zinjibar and another officer was killed in the city of Sayun.

Russian national kidnapped in Yemen - 01 March 2011:

A Russian doctor has been kidnapped by tribesmen linked to al-Qaeda in southern Yemen and taken to the town of Al-Mahfad.

Militants clash with Yemeni security forces - 23 February 2011:

Yemeni security forces have clashed with Islamic militants in the Marib province, leaving five people dead and nine others injured.  Governor Naji bin Ali al-Zayedi said that an al-Qaeda leader was arrested by the army following the shoot out.

Students killed at anti-government demonstrations - 23 February 2011:

Two university students have been killed in the capital, Sana'a, after supporters of President Saleh opened fire on a group of anti-government protesters.  Demonstrations continue to be held throughout the country as the pressure on the government continues to grow.

Pro and anti-government protesters clash in Sanaa - 16 February 2011:

Ongoing civil unrest in Yemen has led to violent clashes between anti-government protesters, government supporters and riot police.  A number of people have been killed in the clashes and further unrest is expected.

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police - 13 February 2011:

Around 2,000 people have clashed with riot police in the capital, Sana'a, following a third consecutive day of anti-government protesting.

Thousands gather in Sana'a for a "Day of Rage" - 03 February 2011:

Around 20,000 anti-government protesters have gathered in Sana'a in a 'day of rage' against President Saleh.  The demonstrators have rejected the presidents offer to step down from office in 2013.  Further demonstrations are expected in the following weeks.

Tens of thousands in anti-government protests - 27 January 2011:

Tens of thousands of Yemenis are demonstrating in the capital, Saan'a, calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to leave office.  It is believed that the demonstrators have been inspired by the recent events in Tunisia and part of a wider 'Arab revolt'.

Five soldiers killed in suspected al-Qaeda ambush - 26 January 2011:

At least five soldiers have been killed in a suspected al-Qaeda ambush in the eastern Hadramout province.  Members of the militant organisation have carried out a number of attacks on the country's security forces in recent months.

Demonstrators reject government's political reforms - 20 January 2011:

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the southern town of Taiz to reject the government's proposed political reforms.  There were no reports of any violence during the protests.

 

Security forces prevent kidnapping attempt - January 2011:

It has been reported that Yemen's security forces foiled the attempted kidnapping of four Czech nationals by armed tribesmen in Al-Haima Al-Kharijia.

Three Yemeni soldiers killed by separatists - 09 January 2011:

At least three Yemeni soldiers have been killed by local tribesmen in the southern province of Lahaj.  On Sunday eight soldiers were injured in a suspected al-Qaeda ambush in the city of Ladwar.

Tribal clashes leave eight dead in Saada Province - 14 December 2010:

At least eight people have been killed in the northern Al-Mlahedh district of Yemen after Houthi followers attacked members of the al-Maqsher tribe.  Clashes between rebels and pro-government tribes have become increasingly common in Yemen in recent months.

Suicide bombs kill five during Independence Day celebrations - 28 November 2010:

At least five people killed in separate suicide attacks in the build up to the country's Independence Day celebrations.  Two people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a funeral procession in the northern Marib governorate on 26 November.  The following day three people were killed when after a suicide bomber attacked a police station in Aden's al-Mindara district.

Car bomb kills 15 - 24 November 2010:

A car bomb has exploded during a Shia religious procession in northern Yemen, leaving 15 people dead and at least 30 people injured.  No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack.

Bomb explosion in Daleh - 04 November 2010:

A car bomb has exploded in Daleh in central Yemen.  Two people were killed and at least 22 were injured in the blast.  No group has claimed responsibility for the blast

Security forces clash with militants - 18 October 2010:

Three al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have been killed after clashes in Mudiyah in Yemen's Abyan governorate.  The government of Yemen has recently stepped up its fight against AQAP and further such clashes are expected.

Bomb blasts kill four in Aden - 11 October 2010:

Four people have been killed after al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) detonated two bombs at a sports centre in Aden.  These attacks have increased security fears ahead of the regional Gulf Cup football tournament which is scheduled to take place at the end of November. 

Militants attack Western targets - 06 October 2010:

Militants have carried out attacks on two Western targets in Sana'a, leaving one person dead and four injured.  A British embassy car was fired upon by militants using a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), leaving one passenger and several bystanders with minor injuries.  In the second attack a gunman at an Austrian gas compound outside the capital shot and killed a French national.

Data

Yemen Data Sheet

 

Population: 23.6 million (2009 est.)

Major Religion/s: : Islam

International dialling code: +967

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: 199

Drives: Right

Voltage: 230V

Climate: Varies from tropical in the west to temperate at altitude

Other Major Cities: Aden, Hodiedah, Tiaz

Borders:


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