US, UK close embassies in Yemen

The United States and Britain closed their embassies in Yemen. They're cite security concerns about possible militant attacks after the failed bombing of a US-bound passenger plane on Christmas Day.

The U.S. Embassy claims it received a threat of attack by al Qaeda. U.S. intelligence agencies believe al Qaeda has a growing presence in the Arab country.

The British Foreign Office cites security reasons for the closure of its embassy. A spokesman for the office declines to say if any specific threat has been made.

A senior security advisor to US President Barack Obama told CNN on Sunday there are indications al Qaeda is planning an attack against a target in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a.

John Brennan, Counter-Terrorism Adviser, said, "Looked at the intelligence available as far as the plans for al-Qaida to carry out an attack in Sanaa, possibly against our embassy, possibly against US personnel. Decided it was the prudent thing to do to shut the Embassy but we're working very closely with the Yemeni authorities to address the threat that is out there."

The United States and Britain closed their embassies in Yemen. They're cite security concerns about possible militant attacks after the failed bombing of a US-bound passenger plane on  Christmas Day.(CCTV.com)