Yemen cautions against al-Qaeda attacks on heritage sites

Yemeni Minister of Culture Dr. Abdullah Awabil Manthuq warned Thursday evening against possible attacks by the terrorist Al-Qaeda organization against historical cities and heritage sites.
"The recent warning by militant groups that they will target historical cities such as Hadhramaut must be taken seriously by all state authorities and civil society institutions," he said in a press release.
The minister urged toughening the security measures at the heritage sites in order to prevent possible acts of sabotage on par with attacks by terrorist groups in other Arab and Muslim nations.
He called for mobilizing the state and public forces for protecting the heritage sites which represent a national and human wealth.
Manthuq added that his ministry is in contact with the political leadership and the state department in order to tighten the precautionary measures.