Protesters killed in Yemen shooting

Deaths come as president's opponents launch campaign against a plan giving him one-month window to resign. Last Modified: 27 Apr 2011 18:04

Saleh's opponents have been holding near-daily protests in major towns and cities demanding his exit [Luke Somers] At least nine protesters have been killed in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, after security forces opened fire on a demonstration demanding immediate exit of the president, hospital officials say. Separately on Wednesday, troops reportedly shot dead three protesters and wounded others in a gunfight in Aden. Residents in at least 18 cities and towns across the country launched a civil disobedience campaign on Wednesday protesting against a plan which would give Ali Abdullah Saleh a month-long window to resign. The opposition bloc agreed Tuesday to take part in a transitional government under the Gulf-negotiated deal, which gave Saleh immunity for him and his family. The balance of power has tipped against Saleh, who has ruled for 32 years, after weeks of violence, military defections and political reversals. Seeing political allies desert him en masse, the Yemeni leader agreed in principle to a proposal by GCC foreign ministers to step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution for himself, his family and top aides. But analysts say that allowing Saleh, who has been a key ally of the West against al Qaeda, to stay on for another month could leave a room for further trouble in the poorest Arab state long on the brink of collapse. The risk of Yemen descending into chaos is a major worry for Saudi Arabia and the United States, which fear an active al-Qaeda wing could strengthen a foothold in the Arabian Peninsula. Wednesday's campaign is the latest in Yemen's uprising that started in early February, inspired by revolts across the Arab world. More than 130 people have been killed so far by security forces and Saleh's supporters at massive near-daily protests.

Source: Al Jazeera and Agencies