Yemeni forces block protesters from capital

Sanaa: Witnesses say Yemeni forces are trying to prevent anti-government protesters from reaching the capital Sanaa.

The troops are manning checkpoints on roads leading to Sanaa, trying to identify protesters. Witnesses say they have prevented some from entering. The witnesses declined to be named, fearing retribution.

Protesters are trying to gather a million people on Friday to demand the ouster of Yemen's ruler of three decades, Ali Abdullah Saleh

The witnesses said security forces are allowing pro-Saleh demonstrators to enter the capital in buses.

Last Friday, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing more than 40. Following their deaths, Saleh lost key support in his inner circle.