Two protesters die in Yemen

SUPPORTERS of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s government opened fire on protesters yesterday, killing two and wounding 11, medics said.

The confrontation between pro- and anti-government factions was triggered by Saleh supporters trying to set up camp near the square that is home to anti-government protesters, the Kuwaiti news agency KUNA reported.

A medical official said the pro-Saleh group opened fire in the direction of the protesters, who have been demonstrating against the government for 12 days.

No official statement has been issued.

Seven members of parliament have resigned from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s ruling party to protest against what they described as government violence against demonstrators, parliamentarians said.