Yemeni Attackers Aimed to Slaughter US Diplomats

Sophisticated plan raises fears of al-Qaeda revival

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2008 4:04 AM CDT

(Newser) – Islamic militants who attacked the US embassy in Yemen yesterday planned to massacre all the Americans in the compound, a security source tells Time. The attackers intended to pass a checkpoint disguised as guards and then blow up the gate with a vehicle, clearing the way for a second carload to enter and kill US workers inside.

"Had they made it inside, it would have been a disaster," said a source. Instead, the first wave of attackers blew themselves up at the checkpoint when they were confronted by embassy guards. The second carload of attackers then raced in and died fighting security personnel. The bold and sophisticated raid has sparked fears that al-Qaeda is gaining ground in Yemen.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

Yemeni soldiers take position in front of the US Embassy in San'a, Yemen, yesterday following a car bomb attack. (AP Photo/SABA)

Yemenis talk as an army ambulance heads to the US embassy in San'a, Yemen, yesterday after a car bomb targeting the Embassy hit the front gate of the compound. (AP Photo)

Smoke rises from the US Embassy in San'a, Yemen, yesterday after a car bomb hit the front gate of the compound. (AP Photo/SABA)

Burned-out cars lie crippled near the US Embassy in San'a, Yemen, yesterday. (AP Photo/Yemen TV via APTN)

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Al-Qaeda and the security forces are in a serious confrontation now. The government is cracking down and al-Qaeda is retaliating. - Yemeni journalist Nasser Arrabyee

The US should provide more assistance, more equipment, more training. The assistance is like a drip from a faucet. - A former senior official in the Yemeni government

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Yemeni Attackers Aimed to Slaughter US Diplomats