Two protesters killed in Oman

Two protesters killed in Oman

2011-02-27 23:55:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

SOHAR, OMAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least two people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters in the Omani industrial city of Sohar, the BBC reported.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at hundreds of protesters calling for political reforms. At least five people were wounded during the clashes.

The official Oman News Agency reported that the "group of vandals" also destroyed public and private property, and set fire to a number of vehicles and a police station.

"The police and anti-riot groups combated this vandal group in a bid to maintain the safety of the citizens and their properties which resulted in some injuries," it said.

The agency did not mention any deaths.

On Saturday Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has been ruling the oil-rich country since 1970, changed six ministers in his cabinet in what he termed "the public's interest" and announced that social benefits for students would be boosted, according to the BBC.

Last week, around 300 people gathered in the capital to call for greater democracy and jobs.

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