U.S. reopens embassy in Yemen

SANA'A, Jan. 05 (Saba)- The U.S. Embassy in Yemen re-opened for business on Tuesday, following a two-day closure due to security concerns.

In a press release, the embassy said that successful counter-terrorism operations conducted by Yemeni security forces in Arhab area, north Sana'a, have addressed a specific area of concern, and have contributed to the Embassy's decision to resume operations.

"The United States commends Yemen for its efforts to disrupt al-Qaeda… and reiterates its commitment to continue to support these efforts", the embassy added.

The decision comes after the embassy has become convinced there were not serious reasons calling for further closing and after it was assured by authorities that police were placed on high alert to thwart possibly terrorist threats by al-Qaeda groups linked to last month's foiled attack on a U.S.-bound passenger jet.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has hailed recent operations against al-Qaeda in Yemen in which scores of suspected terrorists were killed and arrested and all Yemen's efforts to root out al-Qaeda operatives.

"We are concerned about the situation in Yemen. There should be joint efforts by the U.S. and its regional and international partners to stabilize the country and assist in securing its borders," she said.

YA