Twin attacks strike at Western targets in Yemen

Twin attacks on Western targets in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, have left one person dead and at least four injured.

Militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a British embassy car, slightly injuring one staff member as well as bystanders, officials said.

In the other incident, a French national died when a guard at an Austrian gas company near Sanaa opened fire, security sources said.Yemen has seen a string of militant attacks on Western targets.

The armoured UK embassy car was said to have been carrying the deputy chief of the British mission in Yemen when it was hit by shrapnel from the blast.

In a statement, the UK Foreign Office said the attack happened at about 0815 local time (0515 GMT).

"The vehicle was on its way to the British embassy with five embassy staff on board," the statement said.

"One member of staff suffered minor injuries and is undergoing treatment, all others were unhurt. We are informing their families at the moment. We are aware of at least two bystanders injured during the attack, and are seeking further details."

'Risks highlighted'

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague described the attack as "shameful".

"This morning's attack... highlights the risks our diplomats face working for Britain's interests abroad," he said."I am full of admiration for the way our embassy is dealing with this difficult situation.

"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."

The other attack happened inside the compound of the Austrian gas company OMV, near Sanaa. The compound was surrounded by security forces and the gunman was eventually disarmed, Reuters reported.

The identity of the victim has not been confirmed.

The attacks come two days after Yemeni authorities tightened security around embassies in the capital following information of a planned strike by al-Qaeda.

In April a suicide bomber threw himself at the British ambassador's two-car convoy in Sanaa as it neared the embassy compound.

The blast injured three passers-by and damaged a police car.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) later claimed responsibility for the attack.

The embassy was closed for two weeks as a result.

Yemen has been plagued by decades of poverty and instability, and its high numbers of unemployed youths are seen as potential recruits for Islamist militant groups.

More than 40% of Yemen's population live on less than $2 (£1.25) a day.