Witnesses said most of the wounded were suffering severe effects from tear gas but some were hit by bullets and two of them were thought to be in a serious condition.
Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reporting from Sanaa said security forces along with government loyalists started opening fire on the protesters, beating them with batons, throwing rocks and also firing tear gas canisters.
"At least 70 people have been injured, 14 of whom had bullet wounds ... two of them in very critical condition," he said.
"I've seen more than 40 people being carried to the makeshift clinic set up by the protesters, suffering from the suffocating effect from the tear gas."
Our correspondent said the day started relatively quietly with security forces deployed around the area when gunshots were heard and the scene became chaotic.
A statement from the United States on Sunday called for an end to the violence at protests in Yemen, which in total over the weekend claimed the lives of seven people.
"The United States is deeply concerned by continuing reports of deaths and injuries at demonstrations throughout Yemen in the past week," Philip Crowley, the US state department spokesman, said.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives."
The latest crackdown comes as pro-democracy opposition groups and students escalate their campaign to remove Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen's president for 32-years, from power.
Anti-government protesters have been camped out for days at Tagheer Square demanding Saleh step down.
Streets to the square were blocked with tents earlier on Sunday, many flying flags and other symbols denoting the provinces of demonstrators who have come from around the country to join the opposition sit-in.
No comments:
Post a Comment