Updated | Government issues advice against travel to Yemen

In a second statement, the Ministry recommended all Maltese nationals to leave "now" by commercial means

In its statement, the Ministry advised all Maltese nationals to leave Yemen as soon as possible by commercial means.

The situation in Yemen has taken a turn for the worse as thousands of anti-government protesters are hurling stones at anti-riot police backed by tanks in the southern province of Aden.

The protesters are demanding the ouster of longtime leader President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Today a general strike was called and witnesses say many of residents responded by not going to work.

Protesters set tires on fire, sending black smoke in the sky. They also built barricades with large rocks at the entrance of main roads to prevent tanks from moving.

Saleh has ruled Yemen for 32 years. He warns that if he is ousted, Yemen will descend into chaos, boosting the al-Qaida presence already in the country.