Yemen violence

Yemen is experiencing the worst violence since protests demanding the removal of President Ali Abdullah Saleh first started in March. Security forces backed by snipers killed 21 people, including two children, and wounded dozens more in the capital Sanaa on Monday bringing the death toll after two days of clashes to nearly 50.

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets Sunday to voice their frustration at the political impasse which has seen Saleh cling to his 33-year rule despite numerous promises to implement democratic reforms and pave the way for elections and a handover of power.

Saleh, who has been recuperating in Saudi Arabia from injuries he sustained in an attack on the presidential compound in June, said last week he would empower his vice president to negotiate on a Gulf-brokered deal. Under that arrangement, Saleh would step down in return for immunity from prosecution. However Saleh has already reneged on signing the deal three times.

Western concern

Reacting to the latest clashes, the US and European Union nations urged Yemen's government to stop using force against the protesters.

"The United States believes that now is the time for an immediate and orderly transition," said Eilieen Chamberlain, Washington's envoy to the Human Rights Council, adding that those found responsible of committing crimes against civilians would be brought to justice.

Meanwhile Amnesty International issued a stark warning, saying that the situation in country was close to spiraling out of control.

"Eruptions of violence point to a growing risk of civil war," said Phillip Luther, Amnesty's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa.

The US, which had previously supported Saleh as a key ally in the fight against Yemen's al Qaeda branch, is concerned that the turmoil could strengthen the group and increase the risk of attacks on US and Saudi targets in the region.

Author: Rob Mudge (AP, Reuters, AFP)
Editor: Rob Turner