Yemen's Defense Ministry attacked

SANAA, Yemen, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Republican Guard troops loyal to Yemen's former president attacked the Defense Ministry in the capital city of Sanaa, a Defense Ministry official said Tuesday.

Four were killed and nine were injured in the attack, he said, adding that 240 additional forces were called in to defend the ministry.

"Gunmen are still surrounding the ministry," and unnamed Defense Ministry official said, and CNN noted nearby banks closed early, fearing attacks.

The elite Republican Guard is headed by Ahmed Ali Saleh, son of Yemen's longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who stepped down earlier this year after over a year of clashes between his supporters and opponents, CNN said Tuesday.