Without warning, the police came, launching a
ferocious
attack - tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds. They moved through the crowd, spreading fear and panic. By the time they finished, hundreds were injured and at least three people were dead. There were chaotic and angry scenes at the city's main hospital. Hundreds of friends and relatives of those injured gathered outside, the only place left for them to meet. Ambulance crew said they were prevented from treating the injured and some
paramedic
s were even attacked by the police.
The American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the United States strongly opposes the use of violence.
"I called my counterpart in Bahrain this morning and directly conveyed our deep concerns about the actions of the security forces. And I emphasised how important it was that given there will be both funerals and prayers tomorrow, that that not be marred by violence."
At least two people were killed and more than 40 others wounded when police opened fire on protesters in northern Iraq. An adviser to the Kurdish regional government told the BBC that hundreds had gathered in the city of Sulaimaniya, chanting "the corrupt must face justice", to protest against corruption and high unemployment rates. They have been marching towards the offices of the two main Iraqi Kurdish political parties.
World News from the BBC
The governor of Helmand province in Afghanistan, Gulab Mangal, says a programme of American-funded civilian militia is to be expanded. In an interview with the BBC's Pashto service, he described the local armed groups as an important weapon in the struggle against the Taliban. Eight hundred armed men are now being directly funded by the United States in Helmand, but they've faced criticism for being heavy-handed. Governor Mangal said right measures were in place to ensure the right people were selected.