Suicide car bomber attacks southern Yemen checkpoint; 7 dead

Sanaa, Jan 30: A suicide car bomber struck a checkpoint in the southern Yemen city of Aden, killing seven, security officials said. The Islamic State affiliate in Yemen claimed responsibility for yesterday's attack in a statement posted by the group's supporters on Twitter.

It was not possible to verify the claim. Witnesses said firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene in the busy district of Crater. Body parts were scattered on the ground.

Officials said eight people were injured. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press. The checkpoint was manned by policemen and policewomen after authorities received tips that IS militants are disguising themselves as women.

Yesterday's attack comes one day after a suicide bomber blew up his vehicle near the presidential palace housing the president and prime minister. At least seven were killed in that attack, and the Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility. IS has claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest attacks in Yemen since March, including the assassination of a city governor and the bombing of a hotel that formerly housed the Cabinet.

AP