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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Opposition Web sites and witnesses say Iranian security forces have opened fire on anti-government protesters in the capital, killing at least three people and injuring two others.

Authorities had warned of a harsh crackdown should opposition supporters hold rallies coinciding with Sunday's religious observances marking the 7th Century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints.

Police helicopters circled overhead and clouds of smoke billowed into the sky.

The pro-reform Web site Rah-e-Sabz said security forces fired on protesters, killing at least three.

Witnesses say one of the victims was an elderly man who had a gunshot wound to the forehead. He was seen being carried by opposition supporters.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iranian police fired warning shots in the air and beat opposition protesters in central Tehran Sunday, witnesses and opposition Web sites said.

Authorities had warned of a harsh crackdown should opposition supporters hold rallies coinciding with Sunday's religious observances marking the 7th Century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints.

Police helicopters circled overhead and black clouds of smoke billowed into the sky over central Tehran. Witnesses said police opened fire with warning shots to try to disperse the crowds.

The pro-reform Web site Rah-e-Sabz said security forces beat protesters as they chanted anti-government slogans.

Police had blocked streets leading to the center of the capital to try to prevent thousands of people from joining the protest. Still, many opposition supporters managed to break the security wall.

Ambulance sirens could be heard near Engelab Square, in central Tehran, where the unrest was taking place.

This video was just posted on YouTube from Tehran protest

There has been report from Iranian sites including Peykiran and Madomak of protest in Tehran, Isfahan and some other provinces in Iran, this report just came from Associated Press. The government has virtually made uploading videos impossible by slowing down the internet.

Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Witnesses say fierce clashes have broken out in central Tehran between opposition supporters and security forces.

The reformist Web site Rah-e-Sabz says security forces beat protesters as they chanted anti-government slogans. Police have also blocked streets leading to central Tehran to prevent thousands of people from joining opposition protests.

Rah-e-Sabz says many protesters still managed to break the security wall Sunday and join other opposition supporters.

Authorities warned of a harsh crackdown should opposition supporters hold rallies coinciding with religious observances marking the 7th Century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Thousands of Iranian riot police and Revolutionary Guard members armed with tear gas and batons have been deployed in central Tehran to prevent anticipated demonstrations by opposition supporters.

The large security operation comes after authorities warned of a harsh crackdown should opposition supporters hold rallies coinciding with religious observances marking the 7th Century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints.

Witnesses say thousands of people are walking peacefully toward Imam Hossein Square in the capital, where the opposition had promised to start rallies.