Thousands of Yemenis have rallied in the capital, Sana'a, where they urged the U.N. Security Council to take action against President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The mass protests took place on Tuesday, as U.N. envoys prepare to discuss a resolution drafted by Britain. It urges Mr. Saleh to support a Gulf Cooperation Council initiative that calls for him to hand over power.

Meanwhile, Yemeni officials say a car bomb explosion killed an air force commander in a southern region on Tuesday. Attacks on government officials have increased in recent months, amid widespread protests for Mr. Saleh's resignation.

On Monday, Yemeni activists and medics said at least 22 women had been hurt during demonstrations the previous day, after government loyalists threw rocks and other objects at them.

The women had gathered in the southern city of Taiz to demand Mr. Saleh's departure and to celebrate last week's awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Yemeni opposition activist Tawakkul Karman.

Karman is the first Arab woman to receive the honor. She is credited for helping to lead a struggle for women's rights and peace in Yemen.