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200 Wounded as Yemeni Forces, Opposition Activists Clash


Anti-government protesters gesture during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Sana'a, March 16, 2011
Anti-government protesters gesture during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Sana'a, March 16, 2011

Witnesses say Yemeni security forces and government loyalists have attacked opposition protesters in the western port of Al-Hudayah, wounding at least 200 people.

The witnesses say Yemeni troops fired live rounds and tear gas at the protesters, who also came under attack Wednesday from government supporters armed with batons and daggers. Many of those hurt in the unrest suffered tear gas inhalation.

Yemeni police used tear gas and batons to disperse opposition activists who rallied in the southern province of Taiz, wounding at least eight people, including several women.

Yemeni opposition activists have staged weeks of protests in the capital, Sana'a and other cities to demand an immediate end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule.

Yemeni security forces and Saleh supporters have confronted the protesters almost daily, triggering deadly street battles between the two sides.

At least 30 people have been killed in protest-related violence since the anti-Saleh uprising began earlier this year.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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