Yemen defence minister escapes attack on convoy

Sana’a: Yemeni officials said the defence minister of the internationally recognised government has survived an attack in a central province. They said a large explosion hit his convoy Tuesday while it was inside a complex of buildings used as the ministry’s interim headquarters in Marib province.

Two guards were killed and four others wounded. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to brief the media. It was not immediately clear if blast was caused by an explosive device or a projectile fired from outside the compound.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Defence Minister Mohammad Al Maqdishi was to hold a meeting with top military officials.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has been fighting the Iran-aligned Al Houthi militia since the militiamen overran the capital Sana’a in 2014.