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At least 12 people have been killed and more than 40 others wounded in renewed clashes in Yemen's capital and its second city, medics and activists said on Wednesday, after a brief period of calm.

Armed clashes broke out early on Wednesday in the flashpoint city of Taez between government forces and tribesmen who support a mass protest movement calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh's resignation, said activists.

At least nine people were killed, including two gunmen, six civilians and a 13-year-old boy, and 40 others were wounded in the ensuing violence, medical officials said.

Residents and gunmen said pro-Saleh troops were targeting Taez neighborhoods with heavy weapons, including mortar and tank shells, damaging some high-rise buildings.

Witnesses said fires and smoke were seen rising from the city.

In Sanaa, intermittent clashes erupted late on Tuesday in Hasaba district between government troops and gunmen loyal to influential tribal chief Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, killing at least three people, including two tribesmen and a policemen, said medical officials and the interior ministry.

At least seven others were wounded in the restive district, the scene of fierce clashes and shelling in recent weeks, said the medics.

The violence comes after a brief lull in bloodshed where government troops have been battling a nine-month uprising by rebel activists, dissident soldiers and tribal gunmen against Saleh's 33-year-rule.

International and regional mediators have failed to secure a Gulf-sponsored deal between Saleh and his opponents that would ensure a peaceful transition of power to the vice-president until early elections for a new president.

The deadlock has left Yemen's economy in a shambles, its government in chaos and has triggered a wave of unrest that has killed hundreds of lives and injured thousands more since the start of the anti-Saleh protest movement in January.

Questions:

1. How many died?

2. How many were wounded?

3. How long as President Ali Abdullah Saleh ruled Yemen?

Answers:

1. 12.

2. 40.

3. 33-years.

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.