Yemen: Violence Rise, More Condemnations

People are escaping in large numbers from the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a as fighting escalates between security forces and opposition tribesmen.

"An influx of residents is fleeing the Yemeni capital as the days-long heavy gun battle between President Ali Abdullah Saleh's forces and members of the country's most powerful tribe led by Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar rages on". Reports said.

Reports added that "tribal fighters have occupied 16 ministries and other government institutions, while Saleh's forces are using the Interior Ministry as their front-line base."

Meanwhile, worshippers at Friday prayers rallied in order to once again demand the downfall of the Yemeni regime.

As President Saleh ordered the detention of al-Ahmar and his nine brothers on Thursday, G8 leaders have condemned violence calling on Saleh to stick to his commitment to end his 33-year rule.

"We condemn the use of violence in response to peaceful protest throughout Yemen," the G8 leaders said on Friday after a two-day summit in France. "We urge President Saleh to immediately follow through on his commitments and ensure that the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people are addressed," the group said in a statement.

"We call on President Saleh to stop the fighting and answer the demand of the Yemeni people for an immediate and urgent abdication of power"

Hundreds of anti-government protesters have been killed and many others injured during clashes with police and armed forces loyal to the Yemeni president since the anti-regime demonstrations began in late January.