Yemeni Health Minister Abdel Karim Rida captured the mood of public outrage, demanding that those responsible for Friday’s violence against protesters be punished. He said he strongly condemns the bloody attacks, which have moved the hearts of all Yemenis. He added that he is calling on judicial authorities to hold a public trial of those responsible for the violence.

Yemen Post newspaper Editor-in-Chief Hakim Almasmari said the military defections from Saleh’s camp indicate that his government is on the verge of collapse. "Right now it's game over for Saleh and we predict the end of this regime in the next 24 hours. That's our feeling, 24 hours, it won't go past that. 90 percent of the military will be in the hands of the revolution before nightfall."

Another top analyst in Sana'a, who asked that his name not be used for safety reasons, said that the situation in the capital was "electric" and that many people believe the government is about to collapse. This analyst said it is not clear, though, what or who would fill the vacuum.

Hakim Almasmari thinks Saleh could be preparing to hand over power to the Yemeni military, however, so that he can step down peacefully. He questions, however, if that solution will meet the approval of opposition parties or the protest movement.