A car bomb and rocket attack on the US embassy in Yemen has killed at least 16 people, including civilians and Yemeni security guards, Yemen officials said.
The bomb targeted the main security gate as staff were arriving for work.
An exchange of gun and rocket fire followed between embassy security guards and militants, whom eyewitnesses said were dressed as policemen.
Hundreds of heavily armed troops have now surrounded the embassy building, which is strafed with bullet holes.
Security sources said six members of the Yemeni security forces, six attackers, and four bystanders were killed in the attack, which occurred at about 0830 (0530 GMT).
US spokesman Ryan Gliha described the atmosphere inside the embassy as calm, adding that arrangements were being made so staff could "go about their business in a safe manner".
It is the second attack on the embassy in six months.
Mr Gliha said the US was "very aware that there is a continuing threat" and all measures were taken to try to ensure the safety of the embassy and its staff.
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