Demonstrations in Tunisia are rare At least eight people have been killed in fresh unrest over unemployment in Tunisia, officials say.
The deaths occurred in the western town of Thala, and the nearby town of Kasserine, a statement said.
The protests first erupted last month over a lack of freedom and jobs.
The interior ministry statement said police opened fire "in legitimate self-defence" during the unrest on Saturday in Thala - about 200 km (125 miles) south-west of the capital Tunis.
It added that crowds had attacked a police station and government buildings.
It said three police officers were seriously wounded.
Meanwhile reports from the regional capital, Kasserine, say crowds clashed with the security forces on Saturday, throwing stones and petrol bombs, and the unrest was continuing on Sunday.
Tight controlsOn Friday, the US expressed concern over the government's handling of the demonstrations.
State department spokesman PJ Crowley said the Tunisian government was asked to respect people's right to assemble peacefully.
The demonstrations began after a man set fire to himself on 17 December in the central Sidi Bouzid region to protest against the police confiscating fruit and vegetables that he was selling without a permit.
He died on Tuesday, while another man is reported to have electrocuted himself as part of the protests.
Demonstrations are rare in Tunisia, where there are tight controls aimed at preventing dissent. The unrest has been linked to frustrations with the president and the ruling elite.
Correspondents say the riots in Tunisia appear to have inspired similar violent protests in Algeria over food prices - forcing the government there to impose a cut on the price of some basic goods.
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