Seven killed as Yemeni troops shell southern city

Jul 15, 2011, 15:51 GMT

Cairo - Seven people were killed and 30 wounded when Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's troops attacked southern Taiz city on Friday with rockets and tanks, broadcaster Al Arabiya reported.

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Taiz, defying attacks by government forces.

The death toll increased from two killed earlier Friday, according to witnesses, as random attacks by the Republican Guards continued in Taiz.

The Republican Guards are run by Saleh's eldest son, Ahmed - the president's relatives are in charge of powerful military or government institutions. The opposition believes that Saleh's relatives are the main obstacle to a peaceful transition of power in the country.

An activist said that Friday's random shelling came one day after two people were killed and four injured when troops attacked a women's rally in Taiz.

Protesters are calling for Saleh's to step down, and the formation of an interim council to end the five-month-long political stalemate.

Taiz has witnessed recurring attacks over the past few weeks, especially after security forces stormed the central al-Hurreya square late May and set on fire the protest camps, killing at least 57 people.

'Taiz is, and has been always, packed with opposition who peacefully ask for democracy, rights and social equality,' a Taiz-based activist said. 'This is why they target us.'

He said that thousands of protesters had gathered in al-Hurreya square on Friday despite the crackdown. Thousands more were simultaneously protesting in the capital Sana'a and several other cities.

According to media reports, Saleh is expected to return to Yemen on Sunday, to mark the 33rd anniversary of his taking office.

He has been recovering in a Saudi Arabian hospital after suffering serious wounds during an attack on his palace in early June.

Since February, millions of Yemenis have been demanding the ouster of Saleh. More than 350 people have been killed in the government crackdown on protesters, according to human rights groups.