Suicide bombers attack Yemeni security soldiers, at least 80 killed

Police officials told Xinhua that at least 80 soldiers were killed after a number of suicide bombers targeted the soldiers in al-Sabeen square, a few meters northwest of the presidential palace.

The parade was scheduled for Tuesday to mark Yemen's 22nd anniversary of reunification, Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

Officials said suicide bombers wearing security uniforms blew themselves up among the soldiers when they marched through al- Sabeen square, and the attack bore the hallmark of the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, a resurgent terrorist off-shoot in Yemen.

"The attack took place when soldiers were marching in front of al-Sabeen stage, a few meters away from the presidential palace and the headquarters of the central security forces. President Abd- Rabbu Mansour Hadi is scheduled to deliver a speech to the nation on Tuesday on the occasion of Yemen's 22th anniversary of reunification," a police official told Xinhua.

The explosion occurred when Yemen's defense minister and chief of staff of the army arrived at the square. However, they survived the suicide bombing.

The targeted battalion consists of 900 soldiers. More than 100 soldiers were wounded.

The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to the police.

Witnesses said human remains were scattered across the explosion site and policemen have cordoned off the scene.

 

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