Yemen: More protesters shot by security forces

According to a number of in-country sources, Yemeni security forces have fired on protesters for the second day running killing four people and injuring several others. Soldiers opened fire on tens of thousands of people during a rally in Sana'a. The unrest has been on-going for a number of months, with protesters calling for long term President Ali Abdullah Saleh to resign.

Saleh is back in the country after three months in Saudi Arabia, following an attack on his residence. Despite numerous calls for his resignation, Saleh refuses to step down.

It is estimated that 12 people were killed and around 80 injured during a similar protest on Saturday 15th October. The political unrest, spurred by the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, has been going for eight months but is no nearer a resolution.

The demonstrators camped out in Sana'a's Change Square, were trying to march towards the presidential palace when they were targeted by security forces.

Director of a makeshift hospital in Change Square, Mohammed al-Qubati, told Associated Press news agency that the death toll had risen to four and at least 37 people were injured.

According to eyewitnesses, on Saturday protesters were heading to an area controlled by the elite Republican Guard force, which is loyal to the president, when they were accosted. Not only is Saleh being called on to resign by ordinary civilians, he is also facing insurrection by defected army elements.

Sources: BBC News, AP, Bloomberg

For more news and expert analysis about Yemen, please see Yemen Focus.