In Yemen, reports quoting medical official and other witnesses say that at least 20 people were killed when soldiers loyal to Yemen's president stormed a protest camp in southern city of Taiz on Monday. Witnesses say that security forces first tried to clear the square in Taiz with water cannons, tear gas and loud stun grenades, sending thousands rushing for shelter. Meanwhile, Yemeni warplanes carried out airstrikes on the southern town of Zinjibar seized by suspected militants belonging to al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula. Suspected members of al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula taken the town largely unopposed after most government troops stationed there were withdrawn. Battles have been reported on the outskirts of the town as the fighters surrounded the headquarters of the 25th Mechanised Brigade. Civilians fled the town that is home to nearly 18,000 people.