Bahrain, Yemen (and Beyond) LiveBlog: States of Denial

The Yemenia Airways building burns to the ground amidst clashes in Yemen's capital Sana'a:

2216 GMT: We have conflicting reports from Yemen, but Abe Alansy, who has been the fastest source to update information, is Tweeting that the situation is now calm in Sana'a, Yemen, though it is entirely possible that this is subject to change. There are reports of casualties, but any numbers are likely to be unreliable until daybreak.  

In Libya, an opposition website is claiming multiple victories today near the city of Yefren (updated since our post at 1446 GMT). 

We're taking a break here and preparing for a very busy day tomorrow morning. In Syria, we'll be watching "Children's Friday," in Yemen the growing violence around the capital, in Bahrain the funeral of the most recent martyr, and in Libya the advance of rebel forces. It's going to be another busy Arab Spring Friday.

We'll pick up our coverage at 0530 GMT tomorrow.

2153 GMT: There are now major clashes near the parliament building and the Ministry of Oil, according to a source in Sana'a. These reports suggest that the violence has a larger epicenter than Change Square or the Hasaba neighborhood.

2139 GMT: Getting fast and furious here as chaos erupts in Sana'a, Yemen...

These reports from Twitter:

I've learned that these clashes are between the Fourth Brigade and some Baltajia wants to break into the sq

Clashes now in Kuwait St. near the blood bank, the southern entrance to the sq #Sanaa #Yemen #yf

Shooting stopped in Rabat St.

I'm afraid we're trapped inside the change sq, gunmen and snipers deployed on the roofs of houses near the sq

2134 GMT: The Yemen Post News has a series of updates from Sana'a, Yemen. According to the reports, the Yemeni Airways building has completely burned down (see image of fire below), machine guns have opened fire into crowds in change square, and there are heavy clashes in Zubairy Street, in the center of the city. 

2110 GMT: An activist journalist, citing Mareb News, reports that heavy gunfire can be heard in Change Square coming from the direction of freedom street.

2100 GMT: Gunfire fills the night in Sana'a, Yemen.

2050 GMT: We're monitoring two escalating stories in the capital of Yemen. In the Hasaba neighborhood, battles are raging between security forces and Ahmar tribesmen, possibly with the assistance of the 1st armored division (still a rumor). However, in Change Square, as many as 25,000 protesters have gathered, and there are now multiple reports that snipers are firing on the crowd.

Al Jazeera is now reporting that tanks are surrounding the square. They are carrying a report from Saleh Sharafi, leader of the Union of Independent Youth:

"A lot of people are here at Change Square, ready to die for the sake of the nation. We are staging a peaceful revolution but Saleh is trying to ignite a civil war. We are waiting for [Saleh's forces to] attack; those who are ready to attack us by rockets and heavy artillery. We don't know what is going to happen but we are not afraid ... We are going to make this revolution stronger, to show the world how much more profitable peace is than a civil war."

2040 GMT: It is dark, dangerous, and chaotic near Sana'a, Yemen, right now, so we are skeptical of information this specific, but sources there have been noting louder and larger explosions in the area, and AIN News, an opposition group, is claiming that the 1st armored division (which defected from the army) may be responsible for some of the explosions. 

2035 GMT: This video, taken within the last hour or so, shows protesters gathering in Aleppo, Syria.

2028 GMT: According to sources in Bahrain, the funeral for Zainab Al-Tajer (mother of Saeed Al-Eskafi who was martyred in the 1990s) will be held at 8 AM local time tomorrow morning. Zainab was killed today, making her the first martyr to be killed since protests restarted yesterday when the martial law was lifted.

2023 GMT: An EA Correspondent notes that the building on fire in the picture below contains the Yemeni Airways Offices.

2017 GMT: Buildings burn in Hasaba, Sana'a (via reporter Iona Craig).

2009 GMT: Sources are reporting that government security forces are making a push towards Sana'a, Syria. At the same time, Al Jazeera makes this report:

"Amel Ahmed, a freelance journalist in Yemen, says snipers are shooting at protesters on Ribad Street in capital Sanaa's Change Square."

1924 GMT: Anti-regime slogans rise above a funeral procession for a martyr in Darya, Syria.

1905 GMT: Race for Bahrain - Human rights groups and political activsts have released statements asking the Grand Prix authorities to bar a Formula 1 race scheduled later in 2011. The Authorities are slotted to make a decision on the case tomorrow.  

1836 GMT: Ayat al-Ghermezi, a Bahraini poet who penned a protest poem, is now charged with incitement and insulting members of the Al Khalifa royal family. There are reports that she was tortured in Bahraini prison.

The lyrics of one of her poems included the lines:

"We are the people who will kill humiliation and assassinate misery/We are the people who will destroy the foundation of injustice/Don't you hear their cries, don't you hear their screams?"

Ghermezi is famous in Iran as well, because she was mentioned by Iranian state media. According to the report,

"Miss Ghermezi was hailed as martyr in Tehran after state media claimed she had fallen into a coma after being gang raped by her interrogators and that she had subsequently died.

"The reports led to protests by women in Tehran. As the campaign gathered pace, her name was given to a vessel carrying Iranian activists to Bahrain to join the protests. The Ayat al-Ghermezi and a second boat were intercepted by the Bahraini navy last month and turned away."

1825 GMT: Back from a break to find a serious escalation in Syria. Euronews is reporting that the Syrian regime has deployed a helicopter to attack al Rastan, killing at least 13. 

1624 GMT: The Moroccan opposition group, the Youth Movement of 20 February, has released a statement that they remain committed to democratic reforms and the prosecution of those who have "squandered public resources." They called for additional protests on Sunday. Also, the statement reiterated that the political reform organization is not infiltrated by "leftists" or terrorists, excuses the government has used to justify a violent crackdown.

Today, Amnesty International condemned the violent crackdown against protesters, urging the country to allow public demonstrations without threat of arrests or physical attacks.

1613 GMT: A Syrian source describes a chaotic scene in Al Rastan, Syria today. Artillery shelling and machinegun fire has rained down on the city since morning, injuring and killing citivens and making it nearly impossible to retrieve the wounded from the streets. At least 15 people have been killed today (a number also being reported by other sources). The Abu Bakr Al Siddiq abd Abdalrahman Bin Awf Mosques were both damaged, as was a bakery.

There is also a report that planes were used in the attack, though this has not been verified.

1555 GMT: CNN's Nic Robertson is reporting that Eman al Obeidi, the Libyan rape victim who fled to Qatar, has been forcibly deported to Eastern Libya:

One source says Eman Al Obeidy was taken kicking and screaming through Doha airport…and put on a Qatari military plane...

UNHCR confirms Obeidi had refugee status and despite its efforts overnight she was removed and deported.

Hours before forcible deportation, Obeidi said armed guards had been posted outside her room preventing the UNHCR representitive from assisting her.

1544 GMT: After the (largely symbolic) lifting of the state of emergency in Bahrain yesterday, and an outporuing of protesters onto the streets, Johnathan Guyer analyzes the response of the Obama administration:

"Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg met with the Bahraini Foreign Minister. I hope Steinberg wasn't shy in articulating just how little tolerance the US has for egregious violations of human rights - ranging from destroying Shiite mosques to targeting medical professionals. As might be expected, the Bahraini press hailed the meeting as an expression of strong bilateral relations."

1516 GMT: A special report, women recruited to the rebel forces:

1500 GMT: US Special envoy John Brennan, who is also Barack Obama's top anti-terrorism expert, has been deployed to Yemen in order to prevent a civil war. This move is a clear sign that the Obama administration is highly concerned about the instability of a nation that has been a key ally in the US war on terrorism. Brennan will have to balance the need for security and stability, but he will also likely push President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.

The Obama administration has become increasingly critical of Saleh's crackdown against protesters, and just yesterday Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Saleh's resignation is the key to ending the conflict there.

1446 GMT: In Libya, an opposition website offers us a map of the recent conflict. As the rebels advance in the west of Libya, the battle is now centered around a hospital in Yafren. Tanks, artillery, and Grad rockets remain the main threat to the rebels in the region. Also, the rebels seem to be advancing to the west of Zintan, in an attempt to flank the pro-Gaddafi forces.

A rebel victory in this region would place the capital city, Tripoli, in a pincer between rebel forces to the east and this expanding front in the west. (below, we offer a more simple map of the conflict regions).

1418 GMT: The title of the video taken in Hama, Syria, last night: 10,000 Demonstrators in the Market Area (Al Souq) Chanting "We Will be Victorious."

1359 GMT: Don't Hold Your Breath Alert - As the crisis grows, a government official in Yemen suggested to the Saba news agency that President Saleh would be, once again, interested in signing a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council.

1353 GMT: There is a high degree of confusion about the current situation in Sana'a. Earlier, Reuters reported that the airport was closed. Earlier this hour, Reuters reported that the airport is now reopened (see updates below). Now, Al Jazeera has this report:

The head of Sanaa's airport denies that all flights have been diverted to Yemen's southern city of Aden, AFP news agency reported.

An unnamed aviation official had previously said flights to Sanaa airport had been suspended due to ongoing fighting in Sanaa.

The significant part of this confusion isn't whether the airport is open or closed. The significant news is that this confusion is a clear sign of how chaotic the Yemeni capital city has become in the past week.

1338 GMT: As we posted below, videos and reports of children in the street have been on the rise since the death of Hamza al Khatib, a 13-year old boy who was killed by security forces and whose body showed clear signs of torture.

Each Friday, the holy day, Muslims gather to pray. Since protests have started, however, these prayers have often (now always) been followed by large demonstrations. There has been a theme of Arab Spring, that each Friday is given a name. Tomorrow's name?

Children's Friday.  

1332 GMT: In Yemen, there has been an ongoing fight between the government and a radical, but isolated, Muslim insurgency. To this end, the United States has trained many anti-terrorist forces, but Saleh has now deployed many of those forces into a fight, not against terrorists, but against tribesmen who have taken up arms. Former defense minister Abdullah Ali Eliwa offers this assessment:

"The sizable cohort of Yemen's armed forces seeking Saleh's ouster – which includes Major General Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar, the President's half-brother and commander of 1st armored division – appears to be swelling. A statement read out by former defense minister Abdullah Ali Eliwa and signed by nine senior army officials accused Saleh of "handing Zanjibar to terrorists" in order to "frighten people that if he goes, Yemen will becomeSomalia."

1319 GMT: Reuters is reporting that the airport in Sana'a, the capital city of Yemen, is now re-opened, and thousands are trying to flee the country. Earlier, fighting in the country prompted the closing of the airport.

1305 GMT: A large crowd of children chant and march in Darya, Syria. Since the death of 13-year old Hamza al-Khateeb, there have been far more children on the street.

James Miller takes the blog.

1220 GMT: Activists claim Syrian forces have killed 11 more civilians --- the Los Angeles Times says "at least 15" --- in the central town of Rastan in the fifth day of a military siege. The deaths follow reports of more than 40 people killed earlier in the week.

1215 GMT: Claimed footage from a "war zone" in Yemen's capital Sana'a today:

0945 GMT: At least 15 people have reportedly been killed this morning in renewed street battles between Presidential forces and opposition tribesmen in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, as tribal fighters tried to break through regime lines north of the city.

A defecting officer claimed tribesmen had captured but later released 30 soldiers from the elite Republican Guard in the skirmish 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Sana'a.

Casualties were reported in the Hasaba neighborhood with regime troops shelling the fighters of opposition tribal lead Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar.

Sanaa airport was closed Wednesday night and remains shut.

Al Jazeera reports Yemeni jet fighters have struck the Khamer area, the stronghold of al-Ahmar's Hashed tribe.

In the southern city of Taiz, three protesters were wounded in fighting with security forces, according to an activist. He said the forces stormed the house of Taiz opposition lawmaker Sultan al-Samie on Wednesday night and confiscated his computer and documents.

0920 GMT: Students, after an examination, protest in Syria today:

0905 GMT: More footage of Wednesday night demonstrations in Syria comes out --- this clip is from Hama:

And protesters in Homs respond with defiance to President Assad's offer of a general amnesty:

0900 GMT: Witnesses have told AFP of clashes between anti-regime protesters, armed for the first time, and security forces in the city of Taiz.

AFP is also reporting, from tribal chiefs, that thousands of armed tribesmen are heading towards the Yemeni capital Sana'a to back the fighters of Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar in their battle with Presidential forces.

The sources said the tribesmen clashed with security forces at a military post 15 kilometres (9 miles) north of Sana'a.

The armed men "want to enter Sanaa to back their leader" Ahmar, one tribal chief said.

0855 GMT: Syrian officials have said they will conduct a full inquiry into the death of 13- year-old Hamza al-Khateeb.

Video of al-Khateeb's tortured and mutilated body has rallied opposition to the Assad regime.

Meanwhile, President Assad has chaired the first meeting of a Committee to Set up Bases for National Dialogue.

0825 GMT: The Egyptian military have denied this week's revelation, initially confirmed by an unnamed officer, that it has carried out "virginity tests" on female protesters.

0655 GMT: Bahraini authorities have shut down the office of the opposition party Wa'ad in the town of Arad.

0650 GMT: Even though the trial is ongoing, the headline in Bahrain's Gulf Daily News is decisive: "Verdict Date Set for 21 Terrorist Masterminds".

Several protesters have already been given prison sentences of at least one year for assembly and "rioting". Other activists and demonstrators, includig a 15-year-old, face charges including, "establishing and administrating terror groups to topple the Royal regime and change the constitution" and "seeking and corresponding with a terrorist organisation abroad working to commit hostile acts against Bahrain".

0645 GMT: A photograph by Cal Perry of Al Jazeera English of the aftermath of a car bomb on Wednesday in the opposition centre of Benghazi in Libya.

0545 GMT: Last night supporters of the Bahraini regime were frantically posting pictures from the country --- a quiet street here, another one there --- as they declared, "Look, nothing happening." On Twitter, they were urging colleagues to go to a new "crowdmap" website, recording the protests, clashes, and arrests in Bahrain, and flood it with comments denying any significant developments. The Bahraini Minister of Information put out a "tweet" refuting Al Jazeera's claim that security forces had attacked demonstrators.

All of the loud denials complemented the videos and testimony that had come out during the day. As Bahrain formally lifted the state of emergency imposed in mid-March, people had emerged to express their dissatisfaction with the regime. In some cases, riot police had dispersed crowds, and tear gas had been used.

The news from Yemen was difficult to verify amidst confusion, but there was no denial that conflict was on the streets. The death toll grew by more than 40 in the capital Sana'a, as the fighting spread between Presidential forces and the fighters of opposition tribal leaders and defected military commanders.

And in Syria, despite occupations and restrictions on communications, the Assad regime's public offer of a general "amnesty" appeared to fall flat. Claimed footage of a demonstration in Idlib in the northwest: