Islamic State claims it killed Yemen governor in car blast

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an explosion which killed the governor of Yemen’s southern Aden province on Sunday.

In a statement, the group said it detonated an explosives-filled car as Jaafar Mohammed Saad’s convoy was passing in a western district of Aden.

Residents and security sources earlier said Mr Saad had been attacked by rocket-propelled grenades or a suicide car bomber.

Officials said at least six of the govenors entourage also died in the attack, which occurred while Mr Saad was heading to work. Several other people were wounded in the bombing.

Mr Saad, a former general in the army of the former southern Yemen before the Marxist state merged with northern Yemen in 1990, was appointed governor in October.

Hadi returned to Aden from Saudi Arabia last month, nearly eight months after he fled to escape the Houthi advance.

He has been trying to shore up security in the city and oversee fighting against the Houthis in the province of Taiz, north of Aden.

Reuters