In Yemen, agency reports quoting residents of Zinjibar town on the southern coast have said that 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of al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula taken the town largely unopposed after most government troops stationed there were withdrawn.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 Meanwhile, another report says that Yemeni forces opened fire on protesters in the southern city of Taiz yesterday, killing at least six people. The clashes took place near Freedom Square where thousands of anti-government protesters have been camping since January to demand President Saleh's ouster.