Yemen Evacuation

The Defense Department flew some, but not all, U.S. personnel out of Yemen's capital early this morning due to serious concerns about the threat an imminent terrorist attack. "In response to a request from the U.S. State Department, early this morning the U.S. Air Force transported personnel out of Sana'a, Yemen as part of a reduction in emergency personnel," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. DOD continues to have personnel on the ground in Yemen to support the State Department and to monitor the security situation, Little said.

In a separate statement this morning, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the department had ordered a reduction in the number of emergency U.S. government personnel in Yemen. "As we have said, we are concerned about a threat stream indicating the potential for terrorist attacks against U.S. persons or facilities overseas, especially emanating from the Arabian Peninsula," she said. "As such, the department is taking appropriate steps to protect our employees, including local employees and visitors to our facilities."