At least 12 protesters were killed and dozens others injured when the army fiercely attacked hundreds of thousands of people who gathered early today in Wadi Al-Qadhi in Taiz to reoccupy the freedom square.

In the last two days, the army attacked the square, where more than a half million people have been conducting a month-sit-in to call for the ouster of Saleh, burning tents and shooting protesters. Dozens were killed and thousands injured.

"The police mercilessly fired at the unarmed and peaceful protesters as they regrouped to come back to the square. At least 12 have been killed and tens injured," said Abdul Aziz Othman, a journalist who was among the protesters.

"Bullets were fired at the people from machine guns and from armoured cars which are now blanketing all streets and preventing people from entering Taiz," he added.

After the fierce attacks, the protesters separated and groups sheltered to various places.

On Monday and Sunday, the forces stepped up crackdown on the protesters and while trying to break into the square they burned tents leaving many die inside them.

Pro-regime armed groups also supported the forces snipping protesters from the roofs of some buildings.

The intensified crackdown coincided with resumed battles between the tribal fighters loyal to Sadeq Al-Ahmer, sheikh of the most powerful tribal coalition in the country, Hashid, and continuous battles against the militants who have consolidated their control over cities in Abyan province.