US condemns Yemen embassy attack
Thursday, 18 Sep 2008 11:58
US condemns yesterday's attack upon embassy in Yemen which killed 16 people
The United States has condemned yesterday's attack upon its embassy in the Yemeni capital that killed 16 people.
Four civilians, six soldiers and six militants died in the assault upon the compound in Sanaa on Wednesday morning.
"This attack underscores the malicious disregard for human life shown by the terrorists perpetrating this attack," US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said.
"No political cause justifies the murder of innocent people."
The White House said the attack, which saw a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb before gunmen opened fire from a second car, bore "all the hallmarks of al-Qaida".
The attackers disguised themselves as soldiers to pass an outer perimeter before detonating the vehicle and opening fire on guards.
In the hours after the assault a group calling itself Islamic Jihad in Yemen claimed responsibility and threatened similar attacks upon the British and Saudi embassies.
The security presence on the streets of Sanaa has been stepped up since the attack upon the embassy – the second of 2008 – with troops patrolling across the capital.
In her statement Ms Rice added: "I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were tragically killed or injured in the attack. Their sacrifices reinforce our commitment to remain vigilant and ready to defeat the forces of global terrorism."