Govt asks Indians to leave Yemen

NEW DELHI: Keeping in mind the evolving situation and the increase in violent incidents in Yemen which have left over 150 dead, the government on Friday advised all Indian nationals living in the country to exit through whatever commercial means available. They were also asked not to venture out except "under absolutely unavoidable circumstances".

"The embassy of India and our ambassador in Yemen will continue to function in Sana'a and can be contacted for any assistance by Indian nationals till such time they are able to exit the country," said the foreign ministry in a statement. According to official figures, there are about 11,000 Indians in Yemen.

Violence appears to have outpaced Yemen's peaceful pro-democracy protests as fighting between government forces and a prominent tribal militia has exploded in capital Sana'a, taking Yemen dangerously close to a civil war, especially as the country's armed forces now appear divided.