Deadly blast at Yemeni tourist site

Seven Spanish tourists are said to be among nine killed in car bomb attack.

attack marib
The explosion occurred shortly after a car arrived at the historical site in Marib [Reuters]
“This criminal attack has killed seven Spanish tourists and two Yemeni nationals who worked as drivers and tourist guides, and wounded six Spanish tourists and two [Yemeni] nationals.”
 
Convoy targeted

An official at Spain’s foreign ministry in Madrid confirmed the tourists were Spanish nationals.
 
Witnesses said the attack occurred as the tourists were ending their tour of the temple.
 
A security official at the Yemen defence ministry said a car filled with explosives hit the tourists’ five-car convoy, which included a police car.
No organisation has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing.
 
Security sources said the attack came after al-Qaeda issued a statement demanding the release of fighters from Yemeni jails.
 
The sources also said al-Qaeda’s statement said Sanaa should distance itself from the US.
Source: News Agencies