India advises its nationals to leave strife-torn Yemen

New Delhi: India today advised all its nationals living in Yemen to leave that country in view of the increased violence there in which at least 150 people have been killed so far.

"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," an advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

According to official figures, there are about 11,000 Indians in Yemen.

It said that "till such time they are able to exit, Indian nationals are also advised not to venture out except under absolutely unavoidable circumstances."

"The Embassy of India and our Ambassador in Yemen will continue to function and can be contacted for any assistance by Indian nationals till the time they are able to exit the country," the ministry added.

Violence appears to have outpaced Yemen's peaceful pro-democracy protests as fighting between government forces and a prominent tribal militia has exploded in capital Sana'a, taking Yemen dangerously close to a civil war, especially as the country's armed forces now appear badly divided.