2 civilians killed, 12 injured in roadside bomb attack in southern Yemen

ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least two civilians were killed and more than 12 others were seriously injured Wednesday when a roadside bomb exploded at the center of a public market in Yemen's southern province of Lahj, a local security official said. The source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that a roadside bomb set by unidentified people exploded at the center of a public market in Habilian town, killing at least two civilians and seriously injuring more than 12 others. The road side bomb blast ripped through the crowded market, he said, adding that "Investigation conducted by police officers revealed that suspected al-Qaida militants were attempting to bomb a military official, but failed." Yemen has been gripped by a political crisis and deadly violence since massive protest erupted across the country in late February, which demanded an immediate end to the 33-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The country's worsening domestic situation created chances for al-Qaida to plot, plan and mount several domestic attacks on military officials and government buildings in Yemen's southern and eastern provinces.