27 February 2011 Last updated at 10:59 ET

Oman clashes: Two killed during protests in Gulf state

Vehicles were set ablaze during Sunday's disturbances in Sohar

Two people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the Gulf state of Oman, witnesses and officials said.

Hundreds had gathered for a second day in the industrial city of Sohar to call for political reforms.

At least five people were said to have been wounded when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters.

Until now, Oman had mostly been spared the unrest which has affected other Arab states in recent months.

Demonstrations are also taking place in the southern town of Salalah, according to Reuters news agency.

There was a small protest last week in the capital Muscat last week, with around 300 people calling for greater democracy and jobs.

'Vandals'

SULTANATE OF OMAN

Ruled by Al Said family since 1744
Sandhurst-trained Sultan Qaboos seized power from father in 1970
Population 2.9 million
Main export is oil

Reporting Sunday's disturbances in Sohar, the state-controlled Oman News Agency said a number of demonstrators were involved in "riots" that resulted in public and private property being destroyed.

"The police and anti-riot groups combated this vandal group in a bid to maintain the safety of the citizens and their properties which resulted in some injuries," it said.

An official who did not want to be named told AFP news agency: "Two were killed after being shot with rubber bullets as protesters attempted to storm a police station."

On Saturday the ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, changed six ministers in his cabinet in what he termed "the public's interest" and announced that social benefits for students would be boosted.

The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman has been ruled by Sultan Qaboos since he seized power from his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, in 1970.

There is an elected Consultative Assembly but not all Omani adults are eligible to vote in elections for the Assembly and it is purely advisory, with no legislative powers.

The oil-rich country is a popular tourist destination and a long-standing ally of the US and Britain.