30 suspects have been arrested in connection with attack against the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa

According to reports on 18 September 2008, as many as 30 suspects have been arrested in connection with the 17 September attack against the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa. Authorities stated that the men were detained during operations in various locations within Yemen and that they are believed to be linked to al-Qaeda. The attackers -- who were reportedly disguised as Yemeni security forces -- used two car bombs and militants on foot in their attack; additionally, snipers were positioned in locations close to the embassy compound (which is located in the upscale Dhahr Himyar district where other embassies and five-star hotels are located) to target security forces and emergency services personnel. The attackers failed to penetrate the compound’s numerous security barriers, but at least 16 people, including a U.S. citizen, were killed in the attack. The Organization of Islamic Jihad, a group reportedly linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility and has threatened more attacks against both Yemeni and Western interests. An investigation is ongoing and security has been stepped up at the embassy and in the nearby areas; no further information is available.