15 dead as govt forces shell Yemen demo

Government forces shelled a protest site in the city of Taez on Friday, killing 15 civilians, medics and witnesses said, as a UN envoy aimed to revive efforts to resolve Yemens political crisis.Security forces loyal to embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh started shortly after midnight to shell areas around Freedom Square, where demonstrators hold rallies against the regime, witnesses said.A total of 15 civilians were killed, including three children and three women, a medic source, adding that 12 women were among 40 wounded.Residents said the shelling in Yemens second-largest city later intensified, focusing on the Al-Rawdah and Zeid al-Mushky districts, which have been at the forefront of anti-regime protests.Witnesses said Republican Guard troops, commanded by Salehs son Ahmed, also fired artillery rounds into central Taez where thousands of protesters were gathered to call for the veteran presidents prosecution.It was the first time security forces have shelled Freedom Square during the weekly Muslim weekly prayers, they said, adding that the upper floors of a hospital were also targeted.According to witnesses, anti-regime tribesmen repelled a raid by security forces on western Taez.The escalation in violence coincided with the return of the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar, to revive efforts aimed at resolving the countrys 10-month political turmoil.Benomar, who arrived in the capital on Thursday, began meeting with several government and opposition figures to discuss recent developments and the best means for resolving the current crisis.