At least 7 killed in Yemen as violence intensifies

[News_Editor]

At least 7 killed in Yemen as violence intensifies

2011-04-14 01:19:09 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) -- At least seven people were killed on Wednesday in Yemen as protests continued across the country.

CNN reported five people were killed in clashes between rival forces in the Yemeni capital Sana'a. Three pro-government soldiers and two loyal to Gen. Ali Muhsen Al-Ahmar, who defected to the opposition, were killed in the clashes.

In addition, medical staff confirmed that two people were killed during a protest in Aden. The Yemen Post reported that security forces fired live bullets and tear gas at the protesters.

Thousands of Yemenis also took to the streets in Taiz, Hodeida, and Dhamar. Protesters have been conducting sit-ins in several cities including the capital, after they vowed to continue their protest until the government was ousted.

Meanwhile, Yemen's attorney general threatened to resign unless the government went after the killers of anti-government protesters last month.

Abdullah Al-Olufi said "those who were responsible for killing almost 60 protesters and injuring hundreds of others should be identified and brought to justice soon."

"If the security authorities don't identify those responsible for the massacre including those who were masked, I will step down," Al-Olufi added, as cited by CNN.

Protests erupted in Yemen this week despite an attempt by Persian Gulf nations to decrease tensions. Members of the opposition reiterated that they would reject any proposal that did not call for Saleh's immediate ouster.

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states on Sunday urged President Ali Abdullah Saleh to transfer his authorities to his deputy Abdu Raboo Mansour Hadi to form a government of national unity to be chaired by the opposition. Saleh didn't mention if he was willing to step down immediately, but said that he accepts a peaceful and smooth transfer of power under the Constitution.

During the meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the foreign ministers reiterated concern for the political tension and security deterioration in Yemen. According to the UN, it is estimated that the recent political turmoil in Yemen has led to more than 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

President Saleh has blamed the unrest on a foreign agenda and added that some hostile media outlets have exaggerated about the situation in Yemen.

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