Secretary Rice on Attack on U.S. Embassy in Yemen

17 September 2008

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

No political cause justifies murder of innocent people, she says

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U.S Department Of State
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release

Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

Attack on Embassy Sana’a

The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen.  This attack underscores the malicious disregard for human life shown by the terrorists perpetrating this attack.  No political cause justifies the murder of innocent people.

Fast action by Embassy security personnel and host nation Embassy forces, aided by the Embassy’s security systems and its emergency procedures, were vital in limiting the harm to Embassy employees and to the public who regularly visit the Embassy.  This callous attack reminds us that American and locally-employed staff at our embassies serve the United States in many dangerous environments worldwide, often at great personal risk.  We are proud of the work that they do.

I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were tragically killed or injured in the attack.  Their sacrifices reinforce our commitment to remain vigilant and ready to defeat the forces of global terrorism.