Violence spiraled in Yemen Saturday as suspected al-Qaida fighters killed six soldiers and troops fired on protesters, the government said.
The Interior Ministry told CNN six soldiers were killed and five wounded in the town of Rada'a and blamed al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
"They were at least 20 terrorists and well armed," said Amer Shaibari, a security official.
On Friday, the extremists killed at least five soldiers in Marib province, the government said.
In Taiz Saturday, more than half a million protesters marched against President Ali Abdullah Salehj’s 's regime, activists said.
Medical staff and witnesses said at least 35 protesters were wounded by government snipers shooting from rooftops.
Speaking to thousands of supporters in Sanaa after Friday prayers, Saleh warned his opponents, The New York Times reported.
"What we built in 22 years, you spoiled in three months," he said.
"The military is obliged to protect its institutions with all its might."
Nevertheless, there were marches all over the country Saturday.
A plan devised by the Gulf Cooperation Council for Saleh to step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution is not winning over many opponents, who said they were leery of any promise he makes, the Times said.
The council is composed of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, although Qatar announced it was leaving the talks Thursday "because of procrastination," the report said.