Yemen Brits told: Get out while you can

THE Foreign Office last night urged all British nationals to leave Yemen while commercial airlines are still flying, "in light of the rapid deterioration in the security situation".

It said there were likely to be protests today, which might result in violent clashes.

The Foreign Office has been advising against all travel to Yemen since 4 March and urging Britons to leave immediately since 12 March.

The Foreign Office said it was highly unlikely it would be able to evacuate British nationals in the event of increased disorder.

It said in a statement: "Given the situation on the ground, it is highly unlikely that the British government will be able to evacuate British nationals or provide consular assistance in the event of a further breakdown of law and order and increased violent civil disorder. British nationals should plan accordingly.

"We have advised against all travel to Yemen since March 4 and have urged British nationals to leave immediately since March 12. The latest amendment to our travel advice reflects the increasing seriousness of the situation.

"We urge all parties in Yemen to exercise the utmost restraint and take all steps necessary to defuse tension on the ground. We call on all parties to make urgent progress in implementing political and economic reform."