Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ? Riot police deployed across the Ethiopian capital firing guns and lobbing grenades Wednesday to quell a second day of protests over disputed parliamentary elections. At least 23 people were killed and 150 wounded, including children, doctors and hospital workers said.

However, government Information Minister Berhan Hailu said the casualty figures had been exaggerated and put the death toll at 11 civilians and one police officer. He said 54 officers and 28 civilians were injured.

The killing of civilians was a political setback for Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, touted by the Bush administration as a progressive African leader and a key partner in the war on terror.

Machine-gun fire and explosions rocked the capital Wednesday, and armored personnel carriers carrying special forces troops charged down streets littered with burning tires and broken glass.

The violence spread across the city of 3 million people, reaching the doorsteps of the British, French, Kenyan and Belgian embassies – all located in different parts of the capital. Workers at U.N. headquarters were told not to leave their offices.

Doctors at five hospitals said the bodies of 23 people killed in the clashes were brought to emergency rooms and at least 150 people were treated for injuries, including a 7-year-old boy who was shot in the hip. Earlier the hospital count was 27 dead; there was no explanation for the change.