Huge demonstrations split Yemen capital in two

Huge rival protests split the Yemeni capital as security forces staged an unprecedented deployment in another showdown on the streets between supporters and opponents of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Amid fears of an outbreak of violence, tens of thousands of pro-regime supporters waving flags and banners gathered in squares around Sanaa, passing through checkpoints set up by security forces kitted with guns and batons.

Convoys of cars flying the Yemeni flag earlier poured into the capital from the surrounding countryside for the pro-Saleh rally. "The people want Ali Abdullah Saleh," they chanted.

In a deeply tribal society, many of the demonstrators carried large portraits of the 69-year-old president in tribal headdress rather than his customary suit and tie.

The army, many of whose officers have rallied with the pro-democracy camp led by youths, controlled access to the 'Change Square'.