Yemeni security forces have opened fire on thousands of people gathered for a funeral in the southern part of the country, killing at least one person.

Medical officials in the southern port city of Aden said the violence wounded at least six other people Friday.

Since January, thousands of people across the country have been calling for an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's autocratic rule. Many of the protests have turned violent, with security forces killing at least 200 people.

Mr. Saleh is recovering in Saudi Arabia from injuries sustained in a recent bomb attack on the Yemeni presidential compound, as various factions, including Islamist militants, vie for power throughout the country.

The ongoing violence has prompted the United Nations to send a mission to Yemen next week to investigate human rights issues.

U.N. officials said Friday the three-member delegation would arrive in Yemen on Monday for a 10-day fact-finding mission. The delegation will meet with government authorities, rights activists, members of the opposition and alleged victims of human rights violations. The group also is planning to visit medical and detention centers.

A U.N. spokeswoman said officials hope the mission will produce recommendations for the government.