Dozens Injured by Yemeni Security Forces

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's defiance cannot match the opposition's will:

SANAA (Reuters) - At least one person was killed and dozens were wounded in clashes between Yemeni protesters and security forces in the capital Sanaa and the city of Taiz on Saturday, medical officials and residents said.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has seen protests demanding that he resign swell since January to bring hundreds of thousands onto the streets, on Friday rejected a Gulf Arab plan to secure an end to his 32 years of autocratic rule.

The protesters, inspired by revolts elsewhere in the Arab world, have grown increasingly frustrated. At least 27 people have been killed in clashes with security forces this week.

On Saturday evening, hundreds of demonstrators who tried to break through a police barricade in the southern city of Taiz to march to a presidential palace were met with gunfire and teargas from security forces, witnesses said.

"One person is clinically dead and 43 were shot, three of whom are in critical condition," said Rahim al-Samiei, a doctor caring for the injured, told Reuters.

He said about 30 people had been hurt by batons and rocks and more than 500 were suffering from teargas inhalation.

In Sanaa, clashes broke out as protesters tried to expand their protest camp, residents said.

Dozens were wounded when men in civilian clothes believed to be security officers opened fire, and about 350 suffered from teargas inhalation, medics said.

Reports are also surfacing alleging that security forces detained the injured to conceal casualties figures. More information as it becomes available.