President Saleh returns to Yemen amid gunfire, blasts

President Ali Abdullah Saleh unexpectedly returned to Yemen on Friday after three months in Saudi Arabia recovering from an assassination attempt, raising the risk of further violence and civil war.

As Saleh's return was reported on state television, the sound of gunfire and explosions echoed across the capital of the lawless Arabian Peninsula nation. "The protesters will be very angry, we thought he was done... We're going to see big crowds today on both sides," said one protester, Zakaria. "I'm actually glad he's back -- better that we have the regime here to topple."

Impoverished Yemen, which is home to a tenacious wing of al Qaeda and plagued by sectarian and separatist insurgencies, has teemed with unrest since early this year, with protests inspired by uprisings across the Arab world.

Violence in the capital Sanaa has escalated sharply this week as loyalist troops clashed with forces backing anti-Saleh protesters, with more than 100 people killed this week bringing the toll in the eight month uprising to about 450 dead. Bloodshed is expected to worsen with Saleh's return.

Yemeni state television reported his return, saying, "Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic, returned this morning to the land of the nation safely after a trip for treatment in Riyadh that lasted more than three months." Within minutes of the announcement, loud bursts of gunfire and explosions were heard echoing through the capital. There were also fireworks.

The president's supporters expressed delight at his arrival.

"I'm so excited," said Akram al-Aghbari, a doorman. "He is an honourable and great man. I know he's coming to stop this terrible violence. People here without him only know how to rule with weapons, but with him back, just you watch: he will return the country to what it was."

The announcement took by surprise opposition politicians, protesters and diplomats who have been entreating the veteran leader to step down.

Protesters are expected to pour onto the streets of the ancient capital during Friday prayers, demanding an end to Saleh's 33-year rule.