Anti-government riots hit Jordan desert city

Rioters in the town of Maan in southern Jordan set fire to government buildings and police cars on Tuesday in a protest against the killing of two men this week, prompting the government to send security forces to the area to restore order. Witnesses said hundreds of rioters angry at the authorities' failure to arrest the culprits behind Monday's killings spilled on to the streets of the desert town, setting a court building alight and damaging businesses.
"They hurled stones and burnt tyres in the main streets of the city. Other groups of rampaging masked youths burnt the local court," said one witness, Ibrahim Kreishan. Security officials confirmed troubles had erupted and tear gas was used to disperse hundreds of people who had attacked government property and damaged private shops. Residents said the unrest followed the funeral of two workers from prominent tribes who were believed killed in a labour dispute on Monday by Bedouins from the powerful Hwaitat tribe.