Belarusian contractors shot in Yemeni capital of Sanaa; one killed

SANAA, Yemen, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Two Belarusians were shot, and one killed, by gunmen riding a motorcycle in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa Tuesday, a staffer at the Russian Embassy said.

The diplomatic employee said one of Belarusians working under a private contract died at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital, where "doctors are still fighting for his life," RIA Novosti reported.

The employee said the Russian Embassy was helping those involved because Belarus does not have an embassy in Yemen.

Witnesses said the gunmen used silencers and the shooting lasted just seconds, CNN said.

An embassy official denied earlier reports the men were Russian military instructors, explaining Russia had suspended its military cooperation with Yemen.