26/04/2010

Yemen Ambassador Escapes Bombing

A suspected suicide bomber has targeted a convoy transporting the British ambassador to Yemen.

The senior diplomat, Timothy Torlot, was in a convoy travelling to the embassy, situated on a hill overlooking the city, when the bomb was detonated.

One person was killed but the ambassador escaped unharmed and it has been confirmed that no-one from the embassy was killed.

The person killed is believed to be the bomber, according to reports. It is understood he was wearing an explosive belt.

Witnesses said the attacker had failed after being "slow" to get close to the vehicle in which Mr Torlot was travelling.

The attack will add to concerns over Yemen's instability and use as a base by terrorist groups including al-Qaeda.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was an incident in Sana’a this morning.

"There was a small explosion beside the British Ambassador's car. He was unhurt. No other embassy staff or British nationals were injured.

"The embassy will remain closed to the public for the time being.

"We advise all British nationals in Yemen to keep a low profile and remain vigilant. We are working urgently with the Yemen authorities to investigate what happened."

Mr Torlot, 52, became UK Ambassador to Yemen in 2007. His previous postings include deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

(LB/BMcC)

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