Yemen defense minister escapes attack on convoy

A large explosion hit Defense Minister Mohammed Al-Maqdishi’s convoy while it was inside a complex of buildings. (File/Reuters)
  • Two guards were killed and four others wounded, a military source said
  • The minister was scheduled to hold a meeting with top military officials

DUBAI: Yemen’s defense minister of the internationally recognized government has survived an attack targeting the headquarters of the ministry in Marib province, Yemeni officials and local reports said Tuesday.

A large explosion hit Defense Minister Mohammed Al-Maqdishi’s convoy while it was inside a complex of buildings used as the ministry's interim headquarters in the province.

The minister was scheduled to hold a meeting with top military officials.

A police officer was killed and two others wounded, Yemen's national military website SeptemberNet said.

It was not immediately clear if blast was caused by an explosive device or a projectile fired from outside the compound.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has been fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels since the rebels overran the capital Sanaa in 2014.