By Nykoel Dinardo
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
SANA’A, Yemen – Authorities in Yemen arrested at least 30 people suspected of belonging to al-Qaeda following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen on Wednesday, September 17. Around 9 A.M. Wednesday morning, two cars carrying suicide bombers and armed fighters arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a killing four civilians, six guards and six of the attackers. A bystander died on Thursday bringing the death total to 17; several more were injured.
The “Islamic Jihad in Yemen”, a group tied to al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has threatened attacks on other embassies including Britain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Tuesday, the group released a statement demanding the release of militants being held in Yemeni custody. It stated that it would continue to attack Western interests as long as the militants were held.
Photo: President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Courtesy of AFP.
Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh spoke Friday morning and vowed to bring justice to those involved in the attacks. President Saleh stated that these attacks were not against the U.S. alone but also against the security and stability of Yemen.
U.S. President George Bush also made a statement regarding the attack. He stated that this attack should serve as a reminder that extremists will injure the innocent to achieve their objectives, and warned Americans in Yemen to exercise caution and vigilance.
Since the attack, Yemeni security officials have arrested at least 30 people for questioning. More suspects are still being pursued and the investigation into the attack is still in progress. Yemen has also increased the security measures in place at other foreign embassies and diplomatic offices in Sana’a.
For more information, please see:
AFP – Yemen Vows to Punish Attackers of US Embassy – 19 September 2008
Reuters – Yemen Vows to Find Those Behind U.S. Embassy Attack – 19 September 2008
Xinhua – Yemeni President Slams Terrorist Attack on U.S. Embassy – 19 September 2008
Al -Jazeera – Arrests Follow Yemen Embassy Blast – 18 September 2008
New York Times – Yemen: 20 Are Arrested After Attack on U.S. Embassy – 18 September 2008
Yemen Times – American Embassy in Sana’a Under Attack – 17 September 2008
