At least 26 people have been killed in a suspected al Qaeda car bombing in Yemen hours after the nation's new president vowed to continue the fight against the terror group.
Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi took an oath of office, which formally removed long-time leader Ali Abdullah Saleh from power after a year of protests in one of the poorest countries in the Middle East.
Addressing parliament in the capital Sanaa, Mr Hadi pledged to keep up the battle against al Qaeda-linked militants, who took advantage of Yemen's turbulence to seize control of several parts of the country.
His televised speech happened before a car packed with explosives blew up as it was driven towards a presidential palace in the southern city of Mukalla, Hadramout province, witnesses said.
One of the most prominent tasks is the continuation of war against al Qaeda as a religious and national duty.
Yemen's new president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi
The terror network reportedly claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack which took place near the compound's gates.
Officials said the victims were mostly presidential guards. There were also dozens of people injured.
Yemen was already unstable before the revolt against Mr Saleh's 33-year rule, with separatists in the south, Shi'ite rebels in the north and an active wing of al Qaeda.
Former army general Mr Hadi was the sole candidate to replace Mr Saleh in a power transfer deal brokered by Gulf neighbours and backed by Western powers.
He was elected after more than 60% of eligible voters took part in an election this week.
Mr Saleh's departure makes him the fourth Arab autocrat to be removed from power in more than a year of mass uprisings in the Middle East.
Ali Abdullah Saleh ruled Yemen for 33 years
In his speech, Mr Hadi said Yemen must draw a line under the protests and violence in the country, and tackle pressing issues such as Yemen's economic problems and bringing those displaced by the crisis back to their homes.
He said: “I stand here in a historic moment… I look to the Yemeni people and give them thanks.
“The crisis reached every city and village and house, but Yemen will continue to go forward.
“If we don't deal with challenges practically, then chaos will reign.”
He added: “One of the most prominent tasks is the continuation of war against al Qaeda as a religious and national duty, and to bring back displaced people to their villages and towns.”