The Yemeni capital, Sana’a was under a complete security lockdown on Sunday night after three consecutive massive explosions were heard in the vicinity of the Defence Ministry, the Central Bank and the French Embassy.
Residents near the residence of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, which sandwiched between the French Embassy area and a busy shopping district, reported hearing a loud explosion followed by heavy gunshots late on Sunday. Although government officials have confirmed that an “explosive device” did indeed go up they refrained from identifying the target of the attack.
While some local media alleged that a bomb exploded within the French Embassy, damaging the inside building, others claimed militants aimed to target former President Saleh’s residence in retaliation for his alleged support of the Houthis (Shiite group) against al-Ahmar tribesmen in the northern province of Amran.
Within minutes of the explosion, emergency vehicles raced to the sites, while the military and police cordoned off the area ahead of a security sweep. At least four injured were transported to a nearby hospital.
Although not officially related witnesses near former President Ali Abdullah Saleh k in reported on Sunday seeing a large gathering of armed men before his residence.
This is not the first time the Yemeni capital has been the victim of bomb attacks; back in December 2013, a devastating blast tore through the Defence Ministry compound, followed by an attack on foot by al-Qaeda militants.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, it is important to note that the bomb attacks came as the Houthis (Shiite group) and al-Ahmar tribesmen have been locked in a violent fight for control in Amran, just north of Sana’a.