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'Missing arms spark Yemen alert' | 'Missing arms spark Yemen alert' |
(10 minutes later) | |
The closure of three embassies in Yemen followed local security forces losing track of six trucks full of arms and explosives, say reports from Yemen. | |
France announced its mission in the capital Sanaa was shut on Monday, a day after the US and UK closed theirs. | France announced its mission in the capital Sanaa was shut on Monday, a day after the US and UK closed theirs. |
It comes after threats from an al-Qaeda wing linked to an alleged plot to blow up a transatlantic plane over the US. | |
Yemeni government sources, meanwhile, said their forces had shot dead two militants north of Sanaa. | Yemeni government sources, meanwhile, said their forces had shot dead two militants north of Sanaa. |
A Yemen-based group called Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) last week urged attacks on "crusaders" in embassies, as it claimed an alleged attempt to bomb a US airliner on Christmas Day. | A Yemen-based group called Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) last week urged attacks on "crusaders" in embassies, as it claimed an alleged attempt to bomb a US airliner on Christmas Day. |
The US shut its embassy in Sanaa on Sunday, citing "ongoing threats" by the militant organisation, and the UK followed suit. | The US shut its embassy in Sanaa on Sunday, citing "ongoing threats" by the militant organisation, and the UK followed suit. |
On Monday, France shut its Yemen embassy, Japan suspended its consular service in Sanaa, and Spain restricted public access to its mission there. | On Monday, France shut its Yemen embassy, Japan suspended its consular service in Sanaa, and Spain restricted public access to its mission there. |
It comes after six trucks full of weapons and explosives entered the capital, and the security forces lost track of the vehicles, according to Yemeni media. | It comes after six trucks full of weapons and explosives entered the capital, and the security forces lost track of the vehicles, according to Yemeni media. |
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardener says that is a perfectly likely scenario, and Western embassies in the region are a prime target for al-Qaeda. | BBC security correspondent Frank Gardener says that is a perfectly likely scenario, and Western embassies in the region are a prime target for al-Qaeda. |
The Yemeni authorities have tightened security measures at Sanaa's airport, as well as around a number of embassies. | The Yemeni authorities have tightened security measures at Sanaa's airport, as well as around a number of embassies. |
Meanwhile, all travellers flying to America are now being subjected to tougher screening, introduced by the US government. | Meanwhile, all travellers flying to America are now being subjected to tougher screening, introduced by the US government. |
Passengers from 14 countries, including those the US deems state-sponsors of terrorism - Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria - will face extra searches. | Passengers from 14 countries, including those the US deems state-sponsors of terrorism - Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria - will face extra searches. |
Yemen and Nigeria - through which the main bomb plot suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, travelled - also face the new restrictions. | Yemen and Nigeria - through which the main bomb plot suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, travelled - also face the new restrictions. |
Passengers flying from other countries will be checked at random. | Passengers flying from other countries will be checked at random. |