Reports of an explosion and gunfire near the U.S. embassy in Yemen today were followed by conflicting accounts.
Here’s what we know about this breaking story.
1. Witnesses Heard a Loud ‘Explosion’ and ‘Gunfire’
The AP is reporting that residents and security officials reported a “large explosion” and “heavy gunfire” near the embassy.
MORE: Large explosion, heavy gunfire heard near U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen: http://t.co/z69lQCyVM2 -RJJ
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 28, 2013
Ambulances responded:
#Yemen 1st report by local media confirming explosion near US Embassy in Sanaa. Ambulances rushing to the area. Streets closed.
— Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) October 28, 2013
2. Yemen Quickly Denied There Was a Bombing
Yemen’s spokesman in Washington, D.C., immediately refuted rumblings of an attack or bombing:
#US EMBASSY IN SANA'A WAS NOT ATTACKED NOR WAS THERE ANY BOMBING IN THE VICINITY OF THE EMBASSY IN #YEMEN
— Mohammed Albasha (@Yemen411) October 28, 2013
The spokesman later tweeted that the “explosions” were wedding fireworks:
#Yemen: The "Explosions" heard near #US embassy in Sana'a were wedding fireworks. Police detained persons who set the fireworks off.
— Mohammed Albasha (@Yemen411) October 28, 2013
3. The Embassy Says It’s Not in Danger
US Embassy in Yemen says it is not in danger after Yemeni officials reported explosion, gunfire nearby – @CBSEveningNews
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) October 28, 2013
4. Al-Qaida Insurgents in Yemen Make Up One of the Terror Group’s Most Deadly Factions
5. The Embassy Saw a Deadly Bombing 5 Years Ago
The Yemen U.S. embassy was the scene of a 2008 attack that killed 19 people.