Three Killed In Yemen As Antigovernment Protests Continue

Antigovernment protesters rally in Taiz on April 5.

New violence has erupted in Yemen between supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and antigovernment protesters.

In the capital, Sanaa, at least three people were reported killed and 15 others injured after pro-Saleh tribesmen arrived at barracks occupied by troops who had sided with the protesters.

Reports suggested antigovernment protesters had gathered around the barracks.

At some point shots were fired, but it remains unclear who fired first.

In Taiz, south of the capital, dozens of protesters were reported wounded in clashes, a day after violence left 15 dead.

Clashes were also reported in the port city of Hudaida.

More than 150 people have been killed and thousands injured since protests demanding the ouster of longtime President Saleh began in February.

EU foreign-affairs chief Catherine Ashton today urged Saleh to step down, saying that "transition must start now."

Saleh is a key ally in U.S. efforts to fight terrorism, but the United States has also called for a timetable for the transition while at the same time warning that Al-Qaeda could take advantage of a power vacuum in Yemen.

compiled from agency reports