Not many Indians left in Sana'a now, says Union Minister VK Singh

Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said on Tuesday that not many Indians were left to be evacuated from strife-torn Yemen.

He also said that India had evacuated many foreign nationals from there.

Singh posted on micro-blogging website Twitter: “Sending back more than 1100 back through five aircraft. Not many left in Sana'a now.”

In another post he wrote: “Was at Sana'a again today to assess ground situation. Along with our own we evacuated 90 plus foreign nationals.”

Sending back more than 1100 back through 5 aircraft. Not many left in Sana'a now. pic.twitter.com/l9hZb4AF8x

— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) April 7, 2015

Was at Sana'a again today to assess ground situation. Along with our own we evacuated 90 plus foreign nationals. pic.twitter.com/6VbN17HhyM — Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) April 7, 2015

Meanwhile, official spokesperson, MEA Syed Akbaruddin tweeted that India will end the air evacuation efforts from Sana'a on April 08 and all those who wanted to avail should leave on Wednesday.

We will end r air evacuation efforts from Sana'a tomorrow, 8th April. All who want to avail should leave tomorrow. Spread the word around.— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) April 7, 2015

Earlier reports said that the total number of Indian evacuees from Yemen today had touched 4000 mark with nearly 700 more nationals, including 600 from Sanaa, rescued in three air sorties.

While 600 were rescued by Air India, over 100 were being evacuated from Al Hudaydah by INS Turkish, officials said.

Asked about any remaining Indians, sources said 4100 Indians had registered with the Indian mission in Yemen and most of them are out. The government may continue the evacuation by sea route for some more time, they added.

Official sources said the evacuation operation was going on notwithstanding the deteriorating situation across Yemen, as per PTI.

Yemen has been witnessing fierce battle between Saudi-led coalition and Shiite rebels, who have battled their way into various cities Yemen including in the former stronghold of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi who has fled overseas.

(With PTI inputs)