Thousands of Yemenis renewed calls for the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Friday, while government shelling killed at least one person in a southern city.

Witnesses and activists say chanting anti-government demonstrators took to the streets in Sana'a and other cities. Also, supporters of Mr. Saleh rallied near his presidential palace in the capital.

Mr. Saleh remains in Saudi Arabia where he has been recovering from injuries sustained in a June attack on his presidential compound.

Meanwhile, medical officials say a government shell hit a home in Taiz, killing a girl and wounded at least one of her relatives. One person was killed and several wounded in the city on Thursday after security forces opened fire on protesters.

Yemenis seeking Mr. Saleh's ouster have been demonstrating across the country for five months, as the government also continues to wage battles against militants.

Security officials and tribesmen say at least one person was killed on Friday in clashes between pro-government forces and militants near the southern town of Zinjibar.