Britain's deputy ambassador to Yemen survives rocket attack

Britain's deputy ambassador to Yemen survived a rocket propelled grenade attack on her car today in a explosion that injured one of her colleagues and three bystanders. Fionna Gibb was unhurt in the attack, which took place as the car she was travelling in approached the British embassy in the capital Sana'a. Four other embassy staff members were also in the car. One suffered minor injuries. No group has group has claimed responsibility, but the incident bears the hallmarks of al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula. Parts of a rocket launcher were found nearby. William Hague, the foreign secretary, condemned the attack as "shameful" and said it highlighted the risk to British diplomats in Yemen. It is the second time in six months that British officials have been targeted in the country. In April a suspected al-Qaida suicide bomber attacked the British ambassador's convoy , killing himself and injuring three others. The ambassador, Tim Torlot, was unhurt. A security official in Yemen said three bystanders were also wounded in today's attack. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The vehicle was on its way to the British embassy, with five embassy staff on board. One member of staff suffered minor injuries and is undergoing treatment, all others were unhurt. We are informing their families at the moment." In a statement, Hague said he was relieved that there were not more serious injuries. "This shameful attack on British diplomats will only redouble Britain's determination to work with the government of Yemen to help address the challenges that country faces," he said. He added: "I am full of admiration for the way our embassy is dealing with this difficult situation. The members of staff affected are receiving the full support of their colleagues and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office." In a separate incident a French man was killed when a security guard opened fire in the compound of the Austrian petrol company OMV near Sana'a. The Frenchman, who died shortly after being transferred to a hospital, was working as contractor for the firm. Two days ago Yemeni authorities boosted security in the capital around embassies after information of an attack planned by al-Qaida. Today's incidents raises further questions about the strength of the Yemeni government and its ability to tackle terrorist networks.