One protester killed, many injured after clashes in southwestern Yemen

One protester killed, many injured after clashes in southwestern Yemen

2011-05-12 00:16:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) -- Yemen security forces on Wednesday killed one person and injured many others while continuing the crackdown on protesters in the southwestern Taiz province, the Yemen Post reported.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the provincial office of the Education Ministry in downtown Taiz. The demonstrators were demanding the immediate departure of longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Teachers were also calling for better wages.

However, security forces opened fire on the protesters in an attempt to disrupt the sit in. Yemen has recently stepped up the crackdown on demonstrators citing 'civil disobedience.'

At least one person was killed and many others were injured by the live ammunition and teargas shot by the security forces. The law agents later retreated as crowds arrived to the site to support the protesters.

The demonstrations have increased in recent times despite the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) plan for a peaceful transition in Yemen which includes the resignation of Saleh within 30 days. Protesters reject the proposed plan as they want an immediate ouster of the long regime.

Anti-government protesters are currently planning further sit-ins, including one in front of the presidential palace in the capital Sana'a. In response, anti-riot police and vehicles were deployed in the city's streets.

Meanwhile, Yemen's air force is flying over Nihm district, outside Sana'a as local tribes prevented Yemeni soldiers from the republican guard from going into Hadramout province on Tuesday.

The tribesmen also seized military vehicles and ammunition. In addition, four republican guards were killed and at least 15 others injured when the units clashed with the tribesmen. It was not disclosed why the soldiers were sent to Hadramout.

Also on Tuesday, at least three demonstrators were killed after security forces opened fire during a protest in Taiz province. In the same place, two protesters were killed and many others injured last Sunday.

According to the United Nations, the recent political turmoil has left an estimated 140 deaths and hundreds of injuries as security forces have been firing live ammunition in order to disrupt mass protests.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-12