Syrian security forces open fire at demonstrators

[April 22, 2011]  BEIRUT (AP) -- Syrian security forces have fired live bullets and tear gas at tens of thousands of people demonstrating in areas across the country. Witnesses say at least five people have been wounded.

Shootings were reported on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, and in the central city of Homs.

The protesters on the outskirts of Damascus on Friday chanted: "The people want the downfall of the regime." It's the same rallying cry that was heard during the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.

The witness accounts could not be independently confirmed because Syria has expelled journalists and restricted access to trouble spots. Witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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BEIRUT (AP) -- Witnesses say tens of thousands of Syrians are holding protests in cities across Syria.

The protesters on the outskirts of Damascus on Friday chanted: "The people want the downfall of the regime." It's the same rallying cry that was heard during the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.

Friday's protests could be a major test of whether President Bashar Assad's recent promises of reform will quell the uprising.

Protests were reported outside the capital, in the southern town of Daraa and in the predominantly Kurdish northeast. The accounts could not be independently confirmed because Syria has expelled journalists and restricted access to trouble spots.

Syrian security forces have launched a deadly crackdown on demonstrations, killing more than 200 people.

[Associated Press; By BASSEM MROUE]

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