SANA’A – Mosque preachers nationwide condemned the violent acts and riots by the people on Wednesday and Thursday prior Friday prayers. They also condemned the way the government has been dealing with people issues of living including the new wave of price increase in oil.

Though, public shops and places are open in the daytime for business, security and anti-riot police are stationed on full alert in positions across the capital Sana'a and other cities swaped by violence.

Latest media report confirmed that the number of victims during the two days reached 35 nationwide, some of whom are police and children.

Violence first spread through cities in Yemen on Wednesday, resulting in deaths and injuries, as protestors vented their anger over price increases imposed on fuel and gas.

In spite of stringent security precautions in the form of armed military units, thousands took over the streets, main intersections and most entrances to the city of Sana’a.

Several banks, private companies, shops, showrooms and private buildings were attacked, as well as government institutions.

Hundreds of security force units were dispatched to the scenes and responded by firing warning shots into the air and using tear gas to disperse the protestors. Crowds then turned on the police and military with sticks and rocks.

The demonstrations caused chaos and confusion as enraged crowds marched through the streets chanting. They singled out Prime Minister Bajammal as the target of their ire, and demanded his resignation. “No Bajammal after today! Vacate the seat of authority!” they shouted.

Two journalists were attacked, in separate incidents, by crowds as they observed events from their vehicles, which were subsequently damaged beyond repair while several detained journalists were released lately Thursday.

Informed sources revealed to the Observer that several main instigators of the violence had been apprehended.

Police said Wednesday they had managed to prevent entry into the capital of some 30 vehicles transporting people from the outskirts of the capital, with the intention of joining the rioting. They purportedly intended to attack banks and major stores in the capital.

Similar scenes were repeated in other cities throughout Yemen. Wednesday night saw demonstrations in the city of Taiz, where protestors targeted public buildings, causing substantial damage. Crowds also took to the streets in both Dhamar and Al-Dhal’e.
Eyewitnesses told Observer reporters that thousands demonstrated on Thursday in the city of Marib, with protests reportedly passing off peacefully.  Some causalities were reported but no official confirmation has been provided. By late Thursday afternoon, however, Ibb and Saada had recorded their first fatalities. Al-Baidha joined the list Thursday evening.