The president of Yemen is critically injured according to officials of the Yemeni government.

U.S. officials, relying on sources within the Yemeni government, are confirming to media outlets President Ali Abdullah Saleh was more seriously wounded in an attack on the presidential palace in the capital Sanaa last week, than was made known. The officials have also said they believe the explosion within the compound was caused by a bomb on the inside, and not a rocket attack from outside the walls as first thought.

U.S. officials have told The Associated Press
Mr Saleh, who has ruled Yemen for 33 years, suffered 40% burns to his body and has bleeding inside his skull. The Yemeni president was flown to Saudi Arabia on the weekend following Friday night's attack. to receive specialized medical treatment.

Euphoria broke out among protesters on the weekend when it was made known Mr. Saleh had been flown to Saudi Arabia, with many believing he had fled the country and would not return. Yemeni government officials however countered speculation by saying the president was only lightly injured and would return in a matter of days.

Mr Saleh underwent an operation on Monday to have shards of wood removed from his chest, the AP report said. Mr Saleh's burns are believed to be mainly to his upper body, face and neck, and are believed to be severe.

Seven people were killed in Friday night's assault while several top officials including the vice president and prime minister were wounded.