Troops have opened fire on anti-government protesters in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, killing at least 12 and wounding dozens, according to medical officials.

Witnesses said more than 100,000 protesters massed today around the state television building and government offices. They said security forces opened fire, along with snipers shooting down from nearby rooftops.

Mohammed al-Abahi, a doctor at a field clinic, said at least 12 protesters were killed and as many as 200 wounded. He said many of the dead and wounded have bullet wounds in the face, chest and head.

It was the first significant attack in weeks on Yemenis in the capital demanding the removal of President Ali Abdullah Saleh who have been protesting daily for more than seven months.

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