Military

Yemeni Protesters in Several Cities Call for Saleh's Ouster

VOA News March 30, 2011

Yemeni opposition activists have rallied in several cities to demand the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, whom they blame for deadly explosions at an ammunition factory earlier in the week.

Western news agencies say protesters gathered Wednesday in the capital, Sana'a, the central city of Ibb, the northern city of Saada and elsewhere. Saleh has faced weeks of mass demonstrations calling for his departure after 32 years in power, along with an end to corruption and poverty.

Protesters also blamed the government for explosions Monday that destroyed an ammunition factory near the southern town of Jaar, while it was being looted by local residents. The blasts killed about 150 people, including women and children among the looters.

The Yemeni government has blamed the disaster on al-Qaida militants who raided the factory a day earlier. It said the militants laid a "trap" for the looters.

Saleh has insisted on staying in office until new elections are held, possibly before the end of his current term in 2013. A coalition of protester groups has demanded that he resign immediately.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.