Iranian Diplomat Slain in Yemen

A Yemeni police vehicle patrols outside of the Iranian ambassador's residence in Sana'a, Yemen, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014.

Gunmen in Yemen have killed an Iranian diplomat in a drive-by shooting.

Medical and security officials in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital, said Ali Asghar Assadi, Iran's economic attache, died Saturday from gunshot wounds to the shoulder and chest.

One security official said an initial investigation suggested the gunmen first attempted to kidnap the diplomat but killed him when he resisted and fled.

Kidnappings of foreigners in common in Yemen.

Another diplomat at the Iranian Embassy was kidnapped in July by suspected al-Qaida militants and is thought to remain in captivity.