Alongside an official warning to US citizens considering travelling to Yemen, the Department of State has advised any Americans situated in the country at present to leave willingly as evacuation may not be possible at a later date should a crisis break out.

The warnings follow as civil unrest spreads throughout the Middle Eastern region, with many stranded and in danger in Libya following violent protests there.

The threat of further violence looms over countries neighboring Tunisia and Libya. Saudi Arabia have already warned that there will be severe consequences should any of its nationals protest and that a ban on marches and demonstrations would be enforced.

In addition to the civil unrest rippling throughout the region, the US State of Department’s warning against Yemeni travel comes in part due to increased pirate activity in the Red Se, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The advice not to travel to the country also comes as Al-Qaeda terrorists killed six Yemeni national soldiers on Sunday in a series of attacks, further increasing the risk of a fully-blown crisis.

The US Government are worried that Al-Queda terrorists may target US nationals in the area since Yemen is a US ally in the fight against the terrorist group. "The U.S. government remained concerned about possible attacks against American citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests," the Department of State said.

Reported by Michael Jordison.

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