American embassy in Sana’a under attack [Archives:2008/1191/Front Page]

By: Almigdad Mojalli
SANA'A, Sept. 17 ) At least sixteen people have been killed, after two cars carrying a suicide bomber and armed fighters attacked the US Embassy in Sana'a, this Wednesday at 09:15 am. The attack killed four civilians including an Indian, six security guards and six of the attackers.

A source in the security forces of the embassy has confirmed this, adding that three other security guards were injured.

The US embassy said none of its staff had been hurt.

Eyewitnesses stated that the two cars were seen passing by the embassy. The first one, which was carrying individuals dressed in military uniform, opened gunfire at security while the second car, carrying the bomb, tried to enter the embassy but blasted in front of the main gate leaving part of the building on fire.

An eyewitness also said a big explosion was heard followed by heavy gunfire after which a fire brigade and ambulance raced to the embassy. “After that, we heard three other big explosions and then the military police came and cordoned the area,” the eyewitness added.

A fierce battle erupted between the terrorists and security forces and lasted for about 15-20 minutes.

The spokesman for the US embassy confirmed to Reuters that the blasts were caused by car bombs and that there were reports of casualties. “This morning a car exploded at the main gate of the embassy in Sana'a. There was an initial explosion and several secondary explosions