Death toll rises to 19 in Yemen shelling

6 children among the victims when artillery shells land near funeral tent; enraged mob clashes with army forces, killing 2

By AP 29 December 2013, 6:45 am

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Smoke rises after an explosion at the Defense Ministry complex in Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday, December 5, 2013. (photo credit: AP Photo/Mohammed Hamoud)

SANAA, Yemen — Yemeni health officials say the death toll from artillery shells that landed near a funeral tent in the south has risen to 19, including six children.

Security officials said armed residents of Dali, angered over the killing, clashed with army forces Saturday in the southern city of Dali, killing two. The protesters also stormed government buildings.

A day earlier, four shells landed near mourners attending the funeral of a man killed in earlier fighting in the city. Some residents claimed rogue army officers targeted it deliberately. The officials said an investigatory committee arrived Sunday.

Dali was hit by unrest earlier this week, as security forces battled fighters affiliated with a southern regional movement demanding greater autonomy.

All officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to brief reporters.