Dozens killed in fresh Yemen clashes

An injured Yemeni protester is taken to a field hospital after being wounded in clashes with Yemeni security forces, in Sana'a, Yemen, Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/191259.html

Dozens of Yemeni protesters have lost their lives in fresh clashes with the Republican Guards loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen's northeastern province of Sana'a.

The Yemeni opposition sources say pro-regime forces carried out airstrikes and shelling in several villages in Arhab, about 60 kilometers northeast of the capital Sana'a, on Thursday, killing dozens of revolutionaries, Xinhua reported.

According to state media, clashes broke out when opposition-backed tribesmen tried to raid a military base of the Republican Guards, leaving at least 40 soldiers dead.

The violence comes as anti-government demonstrators continue their rallies across the restive country.

Similarly, several people were killed and injured in airstrikes and shelling by the Republican Guard forces in southern Yemen earlier on Thursday, reports say.

On Wednesday, at least four demonstrators were wounded following an attack by regime forces on a protest march in the southern city of Ibb.

Yemeni security forces also opened fire on anti-regime protesters in Ra'da town, al-Baida province, who were calling for the prosecution of Saleh's regime elements still inside the country over the killing of hundreds of people since opposition rallies began in the country in late January.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people have poured onto the streets in the southern city of Taizz and al-Bayda, calling for an end to Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33-year rule.

The demonstrators voiced support for the new transitional council set up several days ago by anti-government youths to manage the country's affairs and to make efforts to force Saleh to give up power before his possible return from Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni protesters, who accuse the United States and Saudi Arabia of trying to save Saleh's regime, have demanded a ban on US and Saudi products.