India issues Travel Advisory over Yemen Violence

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) In view of the turbulent situation in Yemen where militiamen have seized control of the presidential palace, India Wednesday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid travel to Yemen.

"In view (of the) fragile security situation in Yemen, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Yemen," external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

In a statement, the ministry said all Indian nationals in Yemen were advised to avoid conflict areas and to remain in contact with the Indian embassy in the capital Sana'a for necessary advice and updated information on the evolving security situation.

"Indian nationals in Yemen may consider leaving the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, if it is safe to do so. Those nationals who do not have travel documents or need other consular services are advised to seek assistance from our embassy in Sana'a," it said.

The Indian embassy in Sana'a has set up helplines which can be accessed for information or assistance -- 00-967-734 000 658 (Dilbag Singh) and 00-967-734 000 657 (Ram Charan).

Defiant Shia militiamen seized control of Yemen's presidential palace and attacked President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi's residence in an apparent bid to overthrow the embattled government, drawing condemnation from the UN Security Council.

Abdul Malik al-Huthi, leader of the militia which overran the capital Sana'a in September, has warned that "all options" were open against Hadi, whom he accused of supporting the "fragmentation" of the country.