Medical officials and witnesses say at least 30 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in Yemen, after security forces and government loyalists opened fire on anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Sana'a.
The incident took place after Friday prayers. The Associated Press says security forces fired from rooftops and houses at thousands of demonstrators who were entering a square in Sana'a.
Anti-government activists have been calling for an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule for weeks. However, Friday's response by pro-government forces may be the harshest to date. Yemen's opposition leadership announced that any avenues for possible dialogue with the government are now closed.
More anti-government protests also erupted in other cities on Friday, including Taiz and Aden.
Friday's unrest follows clashes on Thursday, when at least 85 people were reported wounded after Yemeni security forces and government loyalists clashed with protesters.
Yemenis angered by poverty, corruption and a lack of political freedoms began demonstrations earlier this year.
Saleh also faces a challenge to his authority from al-Qaida militants, who have based themselves in lawless parts of Yemen to plot attacks on the government and the West.
Article by VOA News