Forces, tanks stream to capital Tunis

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/159931.html

Security forces and tanks have streamed to Tunisia's capital city, Tunis, as authorities try to quell mounting anti-government protests.

Security is tight in Tunisia's capital on Thursday, a day after clashes broke out between protesters and the police, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Heavy troop presence has been reported in Tunis and security forces have been taking up positions at major intersections in the city.

Eleven people were reportedly killed in clashes across Tunisia on Wednesday.

This comes shortly after a night-time curfew was imposed by the government on Wednesday.

Demonstrators have been protesting unemployment and rising food prices for almost a month.

International observers say security forces have killed more than 50 people in demonstrations in a western town over the weekend.

The government of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali sacked Interior Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem on Wednesday and said he would investigate allegations of police's use of excessive force.

In a live address on Monday, the Tunisian president promised to create 300,000 new jobs.

Despite the appeasing pledge, all classes were canceled and all campuses closed on Monday to dampen huge rallies by college and high school students around the country.