Yemenis have turned out in massive crowds across the country to demand their embattled president immediately step down, while his loyalists are rallying in his support in the capital Sanaa.

The Yemeni president’s own tribe has called on him to step down after a deadly crackdown on protesters, robbing the embattled US-backed leader of vital support in a society dominated by blood ties.

Several members of the Yemeni president’s ruling Congress party have resigned as tens of thousands of people again took to the streets to demand his removal.

Protests demanding economic reforms by Oman’s ruler have reached a key oil region in Oman, Government officials said.