Yemen security forces kill more than 30 protesters in Sanaa

SANAA (AFP) – More than 30 anti-regime protesters were shot dead and over 100 wounded during a demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday, medics and witnesses said.

According to witnesses, pro-regime "thugs" opened fire on protesters calling for the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh from houses close to the square at Sanaa University.

Medics said more than 30 were killed and more than 100 wounded.

"Most of the wounds were to the head, neck and chest," one medic said.

Thousands of people have camped out in the square since February 21, demanding the departure of Saleh, who has been in power since 1978.

The Friday bloodbath came after five Yemeni protesters were wounded in an attack on Wednesday night by masked men on the Sanaa University sit-in.

Anti-government activists told AFP that the attackers wielding guns, clubs and daggers were "thugs" loyal to the regime.

Witnesses said that dozens of people were injured when police and loyalists of the ruling General People's Congress party attacked protesters in the square with live rounds and tear gas on Sunday.