Tens of thousands of protesters calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down were marching on the presidential palace.

 

The clashes are the deadliest in Yemen for several months.

 

The defence ministry² said the trouble began when protesters threw petrol bombs at the security forces.

 

In a statement posted on its website, the ministry said an Islamist group had opened fire on the protesters.

 

 

Witnesses said the security forces opened fire on the protesters after they left an encampment（营地） in Sanaa and marched towards the presidential palace.

 

There are reports that automatic weapons and even anti-aircraft guns were turned on the crowd. Tear gas and water cannons⁴（防爆水枪） were also deployed⁵, said witnesses.

 

The confrontation⁶ then developed into running street battles.

 

Doctors at hospitals in the capital said 26 people were killed. Hundreds of people were being treated for gunshot wounds and teargas inhalation（吸入） .

 

The violence marks a sharp escalation in the standoff between protesters calling for President Saleh to step down, and security forces loyal to the president.

 

Some units of the military have gone over to the opposition⁷. There were reports of exchanges of gunfire between the two forces although a spokesman for Maj Gen Ali al-Ahmar, who defected several months ago, denied it, Associated Press said.

 

President Saleh is in Saudi Arabia recovering from a bomb attack on him in June. There have been widespread protests against his 30-year rule.

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