US withdraws diplomats from Yemen amid clashes

The US has ordered all its non-essential diplomats and family members of embassy staff to leave Yemen, as fighting there escalates.

At least 48 people have been killed since Monday in clashes between tribal fighters and government troops.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh has said he will not step down and leave Yemen despite mounting protests.

Speaking to the BBC, Jed Boone, from the Yemen Times in Sanaa, said fighting was continuing in the city.