By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

SANAA, Yemen – Yemen security forces and government loyalists attacked demonstrators in two cities yesterday, killing at least a dozen, and wounding many more.  These attacks are the deadliest since March 18, when supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh shot and killed at least fifty-two protesters.  As a result of this incident, many of the President’s top allies turned against him.

In Taiz, a city in southern Yemen, unarmed protesters were targeted by police forces, armed with guns and tear gas.  Government loyalists fired on the demonstrators from rooftops and on the street, when the protesters attempted to march on President Saleh’s palace.  Thousands of individuals, inspired by the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, organized a sit-in, which has lasted for more than six weeks.   It is their wish that President Saleh leave office.

According to one government official, a clash between government supporters and protestors prompted the security forces to intervene.  The official claimed that the police only fired shots into the air.

Hospitals in Taiz have reported that they are running out of supplies and the equipment necessary to deal with the escalating violence.

Reports of the violence in Taiz have spread to other portions of the country, including Sanaa, where protesters marched on the city in response to the attacks.  At least five people were hurt by supporters, who threw stones at them.

In Hudaydah, a port city on the Red Sea, police also fired guns and tear gas on demonstrators, wounding at least 250 or as many as 400.  These protesters had tried to march on the presidential palace but the police prevented them from doing so.

The attacks have been condemned by the international community, particularly the United States.  The U.S. Department of State has described the violence as “appalling”.

President Saleh, who has been in power for thirty-two years, may step down but only after elections are held.  His term will expire in 2013.  Saleh claims he will discuss transitioning power to a new provisional government “according to the Constitution”.

For more information please see:
Al Jazeera – Protesters shot dead in southern Yemen – 4 April 2011

New York Times – Clashes Escalate in Yemen; at least 12 Are Killed – 4 April 2011

Voice of America – US Calls Violence Against Protesters in Yemen ‘Appalling’ – 4 April 2011

Washington Post – Yemen Security Forces Kill Protesters – 4 April 2011