SANAA, Oct 13: Two people were killed and eight wounded on Saturday when Yemeni security forces clashed with opposition activists planning a rally, opposition sources said.

The clash happened after the government decided to ban the rally in the province of Lahij, in the southwest of the country, because the activists did not have permission to gather, the sources said.

There was no immediate comment from the Yemeni government.

Yemeni authorities issued a ban in August on people holding demonstrations without permission after opposition parties staged several protests demanding the government take steps to curb inflation in one of the poorest countries outside Africa.

There have been a number of clashes between Yemeni police or armed forces and protesters in recent months, some ending in fatalities.

Two people were killed and 10 wounded on Sept 2 during a demonstration against rising prices of basic goods. Two others were killed on Sept 10 during a protest to demand the release of people held during earlier price riots.

Saturday’s clash was not related to prices. Opposition parties were planning a rally to mark the anniversary of the Oct 14, 1967, uprising against British occupation.—Reuters