25 Jun 2011

More deadly protests in Syria

11:38 am on 25 June 2011

Reports from Syria say at least 15 people have been killed in the latest mass protests calling for the removal of President Bashar Al-Assad.

Tens of thousands of people again took to the streets after Friday prayers in towns and cities across the country, witnesses and activists said.

The BBC reports activistis saying security forces fired tear gas and bullets after Friday prayers in Damascus, Homs and Kiswa.

Syrian state TV blamed unidentified gunmen for some deaths.

The state news agency said tens of thousands rallied in Damascus and another area are in support of the president's reform process, Reuters reports.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and thousands more detained since a crackdown on anti-government protests began in March, activists say.