DRESDEN, Germany, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- German police said they were able to limit fighting between neo-Nazi demonstrators and their opponents during weekend demonstrations in Dresden.
Britain's Sky News said Saturday's protests came on the 65th anniversary of the devastating Allied bombing of Dresden during World War II. Nearly 5,000 neo-Nazi demonstrators had gathered to remember those killed in the firestorm.
A rival demonstration involving nearly 10,000 people took place across the Elbe River at the same time as the neo-Nazi gathering. Those demonstrators joined hands in order to stop the neo-Nazis from reaching the center of the city.
With nearly 5,000 officers on hand, police prevented the neo-Nazi demonstrators from reaching the city's restored center, citing security reasons for the decision.
Despite their efforts to keep peace, several individuals were injured as members of the rival groups became involved in skirmishes.
Some demonstrators were struck with rocks thrown during those clashes, and a number of barricades were burned, Sky News reported.
