CAIR Calls for Evacuation of U.S. Citizens Trapped in Yemen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAIR Calls for Evacuation of U.S. Citizens Trapped in Yemen Muslim civil rights group says American Muslims, others seek help in leaving combat zone (WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/31/15) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Secretary of State John Kerry "to take immediate action to facilitate the evacuation of U.S. citizens and permanent residents trapped in Yemen." In a letter to Secretary Kerry, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper wrote in part: "We have already received reports of U.S. citizens seeking escape from Yemen because of the increasingly deadly situation. "Nations such as China, Pakistan, Somalia, and India have evacuated their citizens. Unfortunately, United States officials are quoted as saying there are no plans to rescue the many trapped Americans. "I therefore respectfully request that the State Department formulate and implement a planned evacuation of American citizens and permanent residents from Yemen." SEE: Why isn't America evacuating its citizens in Yemen? (PRI) Yemen Evacuation Shows Chinese Navy's Growing Role (NY Times) India Sends 5 Ships, 4 Planes to Evacuate Indians Stranded in Yemen CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. - END - CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com