Clashes between opposition-backed tribesmen, gov't forces in S Yemen, 3 killed

ADEN, Yemen, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Fresh clashes between Yemeni Republican Guards and opposition-backed armed tribesmen broke out in southern restive province of Taiz on Wednesday, killing a soldier and two tribesmen, local officials and witnesses told Xinhua.

They said the armed tribesmen supported by the opposition, and troops of the Republican Guards used heavy weapons in the confrontations in downtown Taiz city, about 200 km south of the capital Sanaa.

The armed tribesmen, who joint the protesters demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, also managed to damage some armored military vehicles, according to the witnesses.

Despite a fragile ceasefire mediated by local councilmen and tribal dignitaries, the city still witnesses almost daily clashes between the government forces and armed tribesmen since last month, leaving at least dozens of people killed.

Local residents said huge explosions and gunshots were heard overnight.