Suicide Car Bomb Hits Defense Ministry In Yemen

The blast has reportedly killed at least 52 people. Yemen's al-Qaida branch has taken responsibility for the attack.

Updated – Dec. 6, 1:45 a.m., ET

Officials in Yemen have reported that an attack on the Defense Ministry compound in Sanaa was a suicide car bomb. It's reported that 52 people have died, with a total of about 20 injuries. Yemen's al-Qaida branch has taken responsibility for the attack.

The Associated Press reports a car full of gunmen dressed in Yemeni army uniforms arrived at the scene immediately after the blast and engaged in a gunfight with troops in an apparent attempt to take over the complex. It's reported that 12 gunmen were killed.

The explosion was very violent, the whole place shook because of it and plumes of smoke rose from the building.

Smoke can be seen from the neighborhoods surrounding the compound.

View from my balcony of the fire burning in and around Ministry of Defence building. #Yemen

أنتوني بسول

@AnthonyBiswell

View from my balcony of the fire burning in and around Ministry of Defence building. #Yemen

/ Via

A strong explosion rocked Yemen's defence ministry complex in the heart of the capital #Sanaa

Sinan Yiter

@sinanyiter

A strong explosion rocked Yemen's defence ministry complex in the heart of the capital #Sanaa

/ Via

RT@alabjani_21 photo of smoke rising from the Yemeni defence ministry in sana #yemen

Nasser Atta

@nasseratta5

RT@alabjani_21 photo of smoke rising from the Yemeni defence ministry in sana #yemen

/ Via

#Yémen : photo de l'explosion provoquພ par l'attentat suicide qui a visé le ministère de la dnse à #Sanaa.

Romain Caillet

@RomainCaillet

#Yémen : photo de l'explosion provoquພ par l'attentat suicide qui a visé le ministère de la dnse à #Sanaa.

/ Via

This unconfirmed photo appears to show the scene outside of the ministry.

Attentat suicide contre le ministère de la Dnse au Yemen--> http://t.co/blXWLxR2uh

Radio Jawhara FM

@Jawhara_FM

Attentat suicide contre le ministère de la Dnse au Yemen--> http://t.co/blXWLxR2uh

/ Via

There are also reports of road closures in the area.

Roads are blocked from and to Bab Al #Yemen area. High tension and massive security deployment.

Yemen Updates

@yemen_updates

Roads are blocked from and to Bab Al #Yemen area. High tension and massive security deployment.

/ Via
Skip to footer