On May 14, Omani troops opened fire to break up a protest camp outside
the office of the governor of Salalah. The sources said troops destroyed
tents and arrested at least 100 people, taken away in Army buses.
Over the last three months, Omanis have taken to the streets,
particularly in the south, to call for democratic reforms as well as employment and
better work conditions. Sultan Qaboos, who has ruled since 1971, has
announced a $2.6 billion development plan.
The unrest was said to have been reported in Muscat, Salalah and Sur.
The sources said the military has targeted and detained leading reform
activists, identified as Basma Al Kiyumi and Ibraim Said.
"Some of the protesters were released, but the leaders have been kept in
jail," the opposition source said.
The sultanate has acknowledged the crackdown. An Omani security source
said the demonstrations were led by what he termed "provocateurs."
"They have no justification to continue gatherings and sit-ins," the
source told the official Oman News Agency.