Brussels, 06/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 6 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton firmly condemned the bomb attack against the Ministry of Defence in Sana'a (Yemen) the previous day. The attack left 52 dead, including two Germans, and 167 wounded. Pointing out that “this attack is the latest in a long series of such acts against government personnel and installations, and one of the most devastating”, Ashton called for “an immediate end to violence that targets a government which is engaged in a legitimate political process, and puts in jeopardy the future of the Yemeni people”. She reiterated the EU's support for Yemen's transition, which must be allowed to proceed in a climate of security.
A vehicle exploded in the entrance of the Ministry of Defence and armed men entered the premises and took over the military hospital and two other buildings. The army stopped the attack which was attributed to al-Quaeda supporters. “Reports of violence against medical personnel who were trying to assist, and patients who were being treated there, are unacceptable”, Ashton stated.
France and the UK have also condemned the attack. (CG/transl.fl)