At least 10 people were killed in Yemen following clashes between security forces and opposition tribesmen, while thousands rallied on Friday against President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The clashes erupted late Thursday near the southern city of Taiz and continued into Friday. Security officials and witnesses say at least three people were killed, including a colonel and two companions, during an ambush early Friday.

Later, government forces fired tanks and artillery shells into Taiz in an effort to dislodge opposition tribesmen. Local officials say seven people were killed during the raid.

Meanwhile, thousands of Yemenis poured onto streets in the capital, Sana'a, and several other cities, where they are continuing to demand Mr. Saleh's resignation.

The president remains in Saudi Arabia, where he is recovering from injuries sustained in an attack on his presidential compound in June.

Reuters news agency quotes a Yemeni official as denying reports that Mr. Saleh will return to the country by July 17, to mark the anniversary of his rise to power.