Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh returns home

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Yemen after a three-month medical stay in Saudi Arabia, said Mohammed Albasha, the Yemeni government spokesman, according to CNN.

Protesters have been calling for the ouster of the longtime president, who had been recuperating from a June attack on his palace. He has vowed to finish his term.

A violent crackdown by authorities has left hundreds dead at protests, rights groups said.

Amnesty International said that since February, 200 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in protests in Yemen "as security forces have repeatedly used excessive force, including by firing live ammunition at peacefully gathered protesters."

Government officials have repeatedly denied accusations of excessive use of force, and said the government is committed to establishing a peaceful transfer of power.

Yemeni officials have said forces cracked down on those committing acts of violence during protests.