Three dead as fighting intensifies in Sanaa

The most intense fighting in weeks broke out across much of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, yesterday. At least three people died amid rocket, mortar and heavy machine-gun fire as troops loyal to the President clashed with opposition forces.

The fighting began shortly after midnight and intensified at around 3am local time, with the sound of explosions rocking many parts of the city. Pro-regime forces have frequently fought with rival tribesmen and renegade troops of the 1st Armoured Division in Sanaa, but yesterday's fighting was more intense, with pro-regime forces shelling rivals' positions from the hills outside the city.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh has clung to power during eight months of massive protests. AP