U.S. warns al Qaeda may rebuild in Yemen
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department updated its travel warning for Yemen Wednesday, citing "continuing efforts by al Qaeda to reconstitute an effective operating base."
The warning said the attempts of al Qaeda to reconstitute in Yemen "could lead to possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses and perceived interests."
Yemen has been the subject of a string of U.S. advisories and warnings since the October 2000 bombing of the destroyer USS Cole that killed 17 sailors. The department said the possibility of attacks on Americans remains high.
"The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Yemen," Wednesday's advisory said. "The threat to all U.S. citizens in Yemen remains high."
The country is the ancestral home of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, where U.S. officials say some al Qaeda leaders may have fled after being pushed out of Afghanistan last year.
Across the southern tip of the Red Sea from Yemen, U.S. troops were stationed in late 2002 in Djibouti as part of anti-terrorist efforts.
In July, the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa requested additional planes to augment a "more aggressive posture" the military has taken in recent months.
The task force is charged with conducting operations that might be needed to counter terrorist activities in the region, including in Yemen.
The State Department advised Americans in Yemen to register with the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, and "exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security," including contacting police if they believe they are being followed.
Citizens were also advised to "exercise particular caution at locations frequented by foreigners, such as the Sanaa Trade Center, American-affiliated franchises, restaurants and shops in the Haddah area in Sanaa and in Aden and elsewhere, at restaurants and hotels frequented by expatriates."
CNN State Department producer Elise Labott contributed to this report.
