Saudi embassy closes its doors in Yemen over fear of escalation
Story Code : 409027
“Orders were given to shut down the Saudi embassy in Sana'a and evacuate all officials and employees at the Embassy until such a time when the situation in Yemen improves,” the Saudi newspaper Al-Watan cited an anonymous high-ranking Saudi diplomat as saying.
“The charge d'affaires [acting ambassador] at the Saudi Embassy to Yemen, Haza’a Al-Mutairi, along with 50 other Saudi nationals working in the embassy left Sana'a late Sunday,” said the diplomat.
The embassy’s closure follows growing tensions between the Islahi elements within the government – Sunni radicals - and the Houthis in Sana'a who are calling for a new government and the reinstatement of fuel subsidies.