Militants stormed the defence ministry in central Sanaa on Thursday, killing 52 people including at least seven foreigners in a suicide car bombing and gun assault. The attack, claimed by al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), came as the defence minister was in Washington for talks, and follows an increase in US drone strikes in the country.
At least 167 people were wounded, nine seriously. Among the dead were soldiers and civilians, including two German aid workers, two Vietnamese doctors, two Filipino nurses and an Indian nurse. A Yemeni doctor and a senior judge were also killed.
AQAP's media arm said the ministry was targeted because it 'accommodates drone control rooms and American experts.' The US considers AQAP the most active al-Qa'ida branch globally and has escalated drone strikes against it. US forces have also been training Yemeni special forces and sharing intelligence.
The attack underscores the militants' ability to exploit Yemen's instability. Analysts say AQAP aims to degrade security forces' capabilities and eventually take control of areas in the south and east, where they already hold several towns. The US military increased its regional alert status and offered support to Yemeni partners.
