Security Overview for Yemen

Yemen is a poor country beset by tribal divisions. The central government is weak, unpopular, and unable to control large parts of the country. Various Yemeni tribes control their respective regions and resent central government efforts to establish authority. The population is heavily armed; people do not hesitate to use violence to settle minor altercations.

In the wake of revolts in the wider Arab world in 2011, protests over economic and political issues have gripped the country and threaten the regime. These demonstrations can quickly lead to armed conflict between protesters, their tribal allies, and government forces. Demonstrations are most common in the morning or following mid-day prayers.

Terrorism remains a major threat in Yemen. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has a substantial presence in Yemen, which is the ancestral homeland of Osama bin Laden. The group was eager to overthrow the regime of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh because of its secular policies, its support for the US war on terrorism, and its efforts to restrict militants from traveling into Iraq. In addition, anti-Western sentiment is high and protests and attacks on Western interests are likely. Due to the tribal protection offered to AQAP in parts of Abyan, Shabwa, Amran, and Ma'rib provinces, the organization's members have numerous locations from which to plan and execute attacks. Islamist militants linked to AQAP have become increasingly embedded in Yemen's tribal fabric and have started to broaden their offensive initiatives. A group of such militants established control over Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, in May 2011; government forces have since fought to regain control of the city. Terrorist networks in Yemen will likely remain active until the security situation fundamentally changes.

Crime is a major concern in Yemen. Violent crime is not as common in cities, but petty crime is rampant.

Verbal and physical harassment of Western travelers and expatriates, especially women, is a problem. Dress conservatively; if threatened, leave the area and avoid a confrontation. Women are discouraged from traveling alone; avoid direct eye contact with Yemeni men.

Kidnappings are a major threat nationwide and are committed by tribes in Yemen to extort ransom money or for use as bargaining leverage to settle grievances with the government. Government efforts have slightly reduced the number of kidnappings, but the threat remains high. Kidnappings and carjackings are common outside major cities and on major roads.

Yemeni tribes may engage in open combat with the central government, its representatives, or other tribes. People shoot weapons randomly, even in major cities.

The Shia' Al-Houthi rebellion, which stated in 2005, continues to simmer in the Sa'ada Province, north of the capital. Despite a June 2007 ceasefire agreement, the security situation remains fragile in the province. The conflict could reignite at any time.

Avoid travel at night whenever possible. A private car with driver is the best option for traveling in Yemen. When driving, keep doors locked and windows up. The government has no control over much of the countryside; crime victims in many areas have little recourse. The threat of petty and violent crime is particularly high on public transportation. If you must use public transportation, shared taxis are the best choice.

Copyright © 2011 iJET International, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT US

SOUND ADVICE

Clayton's Personal Security Handbook

OUR SERVICES

ABOUT CLAYTON

How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.