Minister escapes militant ambush

Yemen's deputy prime minister for internal affairs, Sadiq Ameen Abu Ras, escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday, after his guards exchanged gunfire with militants.

Witnesses said militants opened fire on the official's convoy in the southern Shabwa province, where he had attended celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Yemen's unity. After the exchange the militants escaped, and no injuries were reported. The attempt highlights concerns over the escalating tension in the south of Yemen, where a separatist movement is growing and where violence has swelled in recent months.