Defections weaken embattled Yemen leader

Yemen’s embattled president suffered back-to-back blows: hundreds of thousands called for his ousting in the largest anti-government rallies yet and two powerful chiefs from his own tribe abandoned him.

The huge turnout reported in towns and cities across Yemen and the defection of the tribal chiefs were the latest signs that President Ali Abdullah Saleh may be losing his grip on the impoverished, conflict-ridden country.

Mr Saleh appeared to be hardening his stance, after initially offering protesters to engage in dialogue and promising that the security forces would not use force against them.

Yemeni TV quoted him as telling army commanders that the armed forces will not hesitate to “defend the security of the nation as well as the unity, freedom and democracy”.

On Friday, troops opened fire on demonstrators in the port city of Aden, killing at least four and wounding 43, according to security and medical officials.