Key Yemeni General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, who is close to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, says he has joined the protest movement against the regime.
"We announce we support and protect the youths who are protesting at University Square in Sanaa," the armoured infantry division commander said.His announcement comes a day after President Saleh sacked his entire cabinet.
Meanwhile in the north, 20 people have been killed in fighting, reports say.
Tanks have been deployed outside the presidential palace following Gen Mohsen's announcement, the AFP news agency reports.
Tanks took up positions in other key locations across the capital, Sanaa, including at the central bank and the ministry of defence, an AFP correspondent reported.
The sacking of the cabinet occurred after tens of thousands of people turned out at funerals for dozens of protesters shot dead on Friday.
At least 45 people were killed on Friday after gunmen in civilian clothes fired on an anti-government rally.
A number of Yemeni diplomats, minister and other government officials have since resigned in protest.
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