Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Gunmen Attack Israeli Embassy in Mauritania

Five wounded as building is peppered with machine-gun fire

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 1, 2008 5:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Six gunmen armed with automatic weapons opened fire on the Israeli embassy in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott today, wounding five people. The attackers shouted "God is great" before the shooting, reports AFP. Although the gunmen fled and remain unidentified, an American terrorist monitor noted that an al-Qaeda leader exhorted Mauritanians to attack the embassy a year ago.

"This fits the pattern of al-Qaeda announcing targeting preferences in their public messaging up to a year or more before attacks occur," said a representative at the US-based IntelCenter. An Israeli spokesman condemned the "clear act of terrorism." Jerusalem has sent specially trained officers to Nouakchott to fortify security at the embassy. Mauritania is one of only three Arab countries—along with Egypt and Jordan—with which Israel has full diplomatic relations.

In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.
In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.   ((c) patotenere)
In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.
In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.   ((c) patotenere)
In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.
In Nouakchott, pictured, six gunmen opened fire on the Israeli embassy today.   ((c) patotenere)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Israel Blames Iran for Dual Car Bombs

Madonna Fans in Israel: Don't Bomb Iran Before Show

Israeli Mag Sexes Up Orthodox-Women Clash

Israel, Iran Terrorists Are Killing Scientists: Officials

Obama: Israel Not Sure About Bombing Iran


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne