Indians Advised to Leave Yemen

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS): India has asked its nationals to leave Yemen at the earliest following mounting violence between security forces and those ranged against long-time President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"Keeping in view the evolving situation and the increase in violent incidents in Yemen, all Indian nationals living in the country are advised to exit the country through whatever commercial means available," the external affairs ministry said in an advisory.

The Yemeni capital Sana'a has witnessed clashes between security forces and tribal militia which have left, according to some estimates, 70 people dead since Monday.

Indians not able to leave immediately have been told "not to venture out except under absolutely unavoidable circumstances".

The Indian embassy and "our ambassador in Yemen will continue to function in Sana'a and can be contacted for any assistance by Indian nationals till such time they are able to exit the country", said the advisory.

The US and Britain have also asked their nationals to leave Yemen.

The clashes followed the collapse Sunday of a transition deal that Yemen's President Saleh refused to sign. The deal would have given him immunity from prosecution after his voluntary resignation.

Saleh has been president since 1978. A re-election in 2006 saw him winning the election yet again. But amid widespread protests, Saleh promised not to run for presidency again in 2013.