Thousands celebrate on the streets of Yemen as president flees country to be treated for rocket wounds in Saudi Arabia

Thousands celebrated on the streets of Yemen after the country's authoritarian leader fled the country after an attack on his presidential palace.President Ali Abdullah Saleh flew to Saudi Arabia for urgent treatment after he was hurt in a rocket attack on a mosque in his compound in the country's capital, Sana'a.Saudi-owned television network Al-Arabiya reported he was was undergoing surgery, ut did not say for what. One of Mr Saleh's allies said the president, in his late 60s, was hit by jagged pieces of wood that splintered from the mosque pulpit when his compound was hit by a rocket on Friday.n Sana'a protesters danced, sang and slaughtered cows to celebrate Mr Saleh's departure.Some soldiers in their military uniforms joined those dancing and singing patriotic songs. Many in the jubilant crowd waved Yemeni flags, joyfully whistling and flashing the 'V' for victory signs.Women in black veils joined demonstrators carrying banners that hailed Mr Saleh's departure. One read: 'The oppressor is gone, but the people stay.'