Dubai, Sep 19 (IANS) A top Yemeni religious body has strongly condemned Wednesday’s terrorist attack on the US embassy that claimed 16 lives, including that of an Indian nurse.The Association of Yemeni Religious Scholars, while condemning the attack, called on the Yemeni people to unify their efforts to face such terror acts, the official Saba news agency reported.

The association lauded the role of the security forces in thwarting such acts.

It also expressed its condolences to the families of those killed.

Wednesday’s attack started with two car bomb explosions in front of the US embassy gate in Sana’a. This was followed by an exchange of fire between the Yemeni security forces and the militants.

Six security personnel, six militants and four civilians, including a 26-year-old Indian nurse, Rani Krishnan, were killed in the attack.

The Organisation of Islamic Jihad, an Al Qaeda linked Islamic group, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was demanding the release of militants being held by the Yemeni authorities.

According to reports, the police have detained 30 people following the attack.