France – France along with the United States and the United Kingdom closed its embassy in Yemen for several days. The French president stated, “We are informed directly and indirectly of threats concerning our installations overseas and even our nationals, threats coming from al-Qaeda.” The French must have had prior knowledge of an attack unlike the Americans who see the threat as greater due to its closure of all its embassy facilities across the Muslim world.
On the 9 Aug 13 it was reported that the French Eiffel Tower was evacuated after a bomb threat was issued. The last time the tower was evacuated was on the 30 Mar 13 and it was thought at the time that the reason was because of Frances involvement with Mali. France was recently announced as the number two target for the al-Qaeda franchise due to its involvement with the African country. Authorities are unsure as to who was responsible for this last threat but as usual took it seriously especially in light of other nations closing a number of embassies and consulates throughout the world.
Italy – On the 6 Aug 13 reports stated that the United States consulate was closed due to a bomb threat. The threat came via the mail and the consulate was evacuated and not thought to be part of the global closure of American embassies and consulates. The letter contained a symbol used by past Italian anarchists (No Further Details Known). A search by police found no device and was thought to be a bomb hoax.
United Kingdom – The British announced that it was to close its embassy in Yemen on the 4/5 Aug 13 due to an increase in security concerns. The UK government stated that they were particularly concerned about the security situation in the final days of Ramadan and into Eid. The report went on to include, that there was a high threat from terrorism throughout Yemen and a very high threat of kidnap from armed tribes, criminals and terrorists. This warning was issued at approximately the same time that the Americans stated that they were to close their embassies and consulates throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan. It is possible that they two are linked with the main threat towards the Americans.