Yemeni opposition figures say they have formed a transitional council that will lead efforts to end President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33-year rule.

Opposition youth groups announced the 17-member council's formation on Saturday in the capital, Sana'a.

They also named their choices for some key leadership positions, including a former defense minister as their choice for armed forces commander.

The announcement comes a day after thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in the capital and several other cities, continuing to demand Mr. Saleh's resignation. The president remains in Saudi Arabia where he is recovering from injuries sustained in a June attack on his presidential compound.

Clashes Thursday between security forces and opposition tribesmen left at least 10 people dead near the southern city of Taiz.