Soldiers open fire to disperse Nigeria protesters

JOS, Nigeria (AP) -- Witnesses say soldiers opened fire to disperse a crowd of Muslims protesting a film that criticizes the Prophet Muhammad.

The shooting occurred Friday afternoon after prayers in the central Nigeria city of Jos. Witnesses said the shooting drove away protesters.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured in the shooting.

The protest by Muslim youths came after local imams and religious leaders urged them to stay off the streets. Jos has remained under the guard of the military since 2010, when violence between Christians and Muslims there killed hundreds.

Meanwhile, in the northwest Nigeria city of Sokoto, protesters burned a U.S. flag and demonstrated against the film. Several demonstrations in the city ended peacefully.

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