In Yemen security has tightened around the international airport and embassies in the capital Senaa.

Fears of a terrorist attack have increased after threats were issued by al-Qaeda on British and American targets in Yemen. Both countries have closed their embassies.

The Nigerian who attempted to blow up a US plane on Christmas Day was trained by a branch of al-Qaeda in Yemen according to President Barack Obama.

France and Spain have also closed their embassies as a precaution. The Japanese embassy has partially closed.

The Hague does not consider it necessary to close the Dutch embassy in Sanaa, although it has issued a warning against non-essential trips to Yemen.

Yemeni government troops killed at least two al-Qaeda militants in fighting in the north-west of the country on the border with Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Map of Yemen - Wikipedia