SANAA, 29 December 2004 — The US Embassy in Sanaa has warned Americans in Yemen to avoid traveling to the southern port city of Aden, citing a “possible threat” against a hotel popular with foreigners. In a “warden message” obtained by Arab News yesterday, the embassy cautioned “all American citizens to be alert and avoid travel to the city of Aden,” on the eve of the new year.
“The embassy advises of a possible threat against the Aden Hotel in particular,” read the warning note. “The American Embassy has advised its personnel not to travel to Aden until after Jan. 1, 2005.” Signed by the embassy’s chief of consular section, William Lesh, the warning asked US nationals to promptly report any suspicious activity or other incidents to local authorities and a ‘regional security office’ set up at the embassy’s compound in Sanaa. It was not immediately known what prompted the warning. And Yemeni security officials refused to comment.
