Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Yemen Protests Escalate After Deadly Attack

Anti-government protests have intensified in Yemen after at least one protester was killed in clashes with government loyalists late Tuesday on the streets near Sana'a University.

The attackers, using guns and other weapons, were trying to disperse protesters who have been camping out for days near the university to demand the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. At least 21 people were wounded.

The attack appears to have invigorated the anti-government movement, as thousands more people headed into the streets of the capital Wednesday to join the protests.

The recent violence brings to 12 the number of people killed in Yemen since demonstrations began less than two weeks ago.

At least seven members of parliament submitted their resignations Wednesday to protest the government's violent response to the demonstrations.

Protests challenging Mr. Saleh's 32-year rule were inspired by the uprisings that brought down the long-time leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.