U.S. embassy in Yemen closed over threats by al-Qaeda

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Citing threats by al-Qaeda in Yemen, the United States closed its embassy in the country on Sunday.

"The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa is closed today, Jan. 3, 2010, in response to ongoing threats by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to attack American interests in Yemen," said the embassy in a statement.

John Brennan, President Barack Obama's aide on homeland security and counterterrorism, told CNN that there are indications that al-Qaeda has been planning to carry out an attack against a target inside Sanaa.

"What we do is to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of our diplomats and citizens abroad, so the decision was made to close the embassy," said Brennan, adding that the administration is working closely with the Yemen government on strengthening security protection.

Last month, Yemeni officials said raids against AQAP hideouts in the southern province of Abyan and Arhab district, to the northeast of Sanaa, left 34 militants killed and dozens others arrested.

The AQAP, which said the deadly strikes were conducted by the United States, has claimed responsibility for a foiled Christmas Day attempt to bomb a U.S. aircraft.